— by Lin McNulty —

Sometimes, community traditions cannot be systematically traced to their origin. That is partially accurate regarding the beginning of the Bonnie Brae neighborhood trick-or-treaters.

The last residents, 24 families, moved to the OPAL Bonnie Brae neighborhood in July 1999. The neighborhood took just under five years to complete, and there were quite a few children (families with kids) living there at that time. Think a “concentration” of young families.
And, then, on Halloween 1999, the OPAL newsletter reported:
“Halloween is now a big event at the OPAL CLT [Community Land Trust] neighborhoods. This past year [1999] more than 100 children visited each neighborhood. Islanders have learned that our neighborhoods are safe and accessible.”
The goblin crowd has increased to a present-day influx over 200 trick-or-treaters.
Didier Gincig says it’s because of the lack of “neighborhoods” on Orcas. In its 18th year, this custom has become a dependable institution, the hobgoblin crowd having increased to its present day level of over 200.

The other part of this tradition, is that the remainder of the island contributes candy to help with Halloween trick or treating. Donations may be dropped off at the OPAL office (on the corner of Lover’s Lane and Enchanted Forest Road), or by check to offset the cost of Halloween candy by dropping off a check to the OPAL office by October 30 or by mail to PO Box 1133, Eastsound.

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