From princesses to superheroes, children from all around Downey gathered to celebrate Halloween on Oct. 31, at the back parking lot of the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center. Kids joined together to be a part of costume contests and fun activities for children between ages 5 and 14. Many treats were given at the event including candy, popcorn and colorful balloons. Parents liked the idea of not having the risk of losing kids while trick-or-treating.

“Having a safe environment on Halloween for my kids makes Halloween even better,” mother of two, Jackie Orozco said. Other families enjoyed the festival because there were no serial killers and creepy monsters to scare the children. Food was given all night long, including delicious hot dogs and rosy pink cotton candy.

“What else can be better then getting free candy and food on Halloween?” hot dog lover Joel Trujillo said.

In the middle, volunteers set up fun games. Activities like basketball hoops and tic-tac-toe were just the beginning of the many games. Contest for best costumes and coolest carved pumpkin were held by the city as well.

“Every Halloween, I look forward to carving a pumpkin and figuring out some cool design to do,” Downey resident Pablo Lopez said. “Entering the contest was a fun thing for me to do on Halloween.”

Crowds gathered around the stage to vote for winners and clapped for all the participants. The community seemed to appreciate what the city did. Over all, the night turned out great and the kids really enjoyed it.