Early trick-or-treaters traipse along Foothill

Princesses and pirates, Pokemon and pumpkins ambled up and down Foothill Boulevard on Friday afternoon. But don’t worry — La Cañada Flintridge wasn’t under attack from a menagerie of monsters. Instead, local families explored the merchants in the community and got some candy during the 3rd annual Trick or Treat on the Boulevard.

From 3 – 6 p.m. more than 50 merchants opened their doors to trick or treaters, with black and orange balloons or posters in the window letting costumed kids know where the candy was to be had.

Sue Stranger of Adobe Design organized the event, which she said was meant to get local residents to get out of the car and explore their community.

“It’s to try and get a heartbeat on this boulevard, and make it pedestrian friendly,” said Stranger.

Stranger said that the event was working, as residents had stopped by and remarked that they had lived in the area for years and not noticed her shop on Foothill Boulevard. Stranger said her favorite costumes were a group of siblings wearing Angry Birds suits, after the popular game.

Karen Sellergren at Podley Properties said that they were participating in the event to help foster a sense of community in the La Cañada.

“If you’re part of the community, you have to participate in the community,” said Sellergren.

For 9-year-old Nathan Milley, who was dressed as Pokemon character Pikachu, the best part of the event was getting a Butterfingers candy bar.

Keaton Comstock, 8, matched his costume with his candy choice, as he was in full nerd garb, and said that Smarties were his preferred sugary treat.

“It’s really fun,” Keaton said of his pre-Halloween trick-or-treat rounds.