Sun shines on annual SODA Track or Treat at Penn-Vassar Park

 

By SUE SUCHYTA

Times-Herald Newspapers

DEARBORN – Blue skies and sunshine greeted spooky creatures as costumed families enjoyed the annual Track or Treat Oct. 26 at Dearborn’s Penn-Vassar Park.

Sponsored by the Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association, which was founded in 1996, the event features groups and individuals, including politicians, offering candy and treats along the track that follows the outer perimeter of the rectangular park.

In addition to Dearborn candidates for mayor, city clerk and city council, church and civic groups were on hand to hand out candy. The local League of Women Voters offered voter guides along with sweet treats.

State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-15th District) said SODA’s Track or Treat is a great annual event that draws an amazing crowd of children and is a fun way for the community to come together.

“I love to see all the cute costumes and the sweet faces,” she said. “And any time this event takes place and it doesn’t rain, we’re thrilled.”

Laura Dudgeon of the Dearborn/Dearborn Heights League of Women Voters, which had a booth, said it’s a perfect opportunity to hand out voter guides to parents while the children are collecting candy.

“So, it really is a two-fold thing: for us to show a presence in the community, as well as supplying information for non-partisan voting,” she said.

Michele Featherston of SODA said the event has been happening for about a dozen years, and they now have second generation Track or Treaters attending the event.

She said SODA focuses on community service and improvement.

Featherston said the group also sponsors an Easter Egg hunt in the spring.