The yearly trunk or treat that takes place in the downtown area of Phelan had an enormous turnout on October 29, with locals decorating the back of their trucks, vans, and cars to hand out candy while trick or treaters made their rounds through the vehicles and businesses. What seemed like over a thousand people dressed as ghouls, superheroes, supervillains, dinosaurs, and many other scary costumes descended to the downtown area to take part in the fun.

Sarah Gayles has been a Phelan resident for three years and attended the trunk or treat with her two children.  “It’s the annual trunk or treat” she says. “So, everyone comes out and either gives candy out to the kids or go around and get candy from everyone.” While the event seemed really crowded this year, she says that “it’s always like this.”

Across the street from the Stater Bros parking lot, businesses and even the sheriffs station got in on the festivities with sheriffs bringing two horses for kids to meet and pet. Business in the entire business district participated with several organizations and business handing out candy in the downtown Phelan Plaza across from Phelan Elementary School and as far east as Arturo’s Restaurant.

Karina Reyes attended the trunk or treat with her son. According to her, the crowd size is barely getting back to how things were pre-pandemic. “A couple of years back they would close down this street” she says, referring to Phelan Road. “It was probably more packed.” With things slowly getting back to normal, she says “it’s amazing to see everyone out here.” This year the Phelan Chamber of Commerce was back at it, creating a controlled crosswalk across Phelan Road complete with lights, crossing guards, and barricades which allowed Trunk or Treaters to safely cross from the Stater Bros. parking lot to the Phelan Towne Square.