Albuquerque families gathered on October 31 for the third annual Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Trunk‑or‑Treat, a neighborhood‑focused Halloween celebration that blended fun, community spirit, and a touch of agricultural pride.
Costumes, candy and family fun
Children and parents streamed into the event, filling the parking lot with brightly decorated car trunks, smiling faces, and the scent of autumn treats. Seven‑year‑old AJ Apodaca summed up the excitement when asked about his favorite part: “To see costumes and get candy.”
Among the costumed crowds, a family arrived dressed as Peter Pan, with one‑year‑old Chloe playing Tinkerbell. “This is her second Halloween but first time dressing up and going trick‑or‑treating,” her family explained. “We live in the neighborhood and wanted to come support.”
Even family dogs joined the festivities, sporting a variety of Halloween outfits that delighted onlookers. Local SWAT officers also participated, riding together with “bad guys” in a light‑hearted display of community partnership. When reporters asked whether any officers had pulled drivers over during the event, the officers replied, “No.”
Record‑breaking pumpkin steals the show
Earlier in the day, longtime pumpkin grower Allen Clark unveiled a massive pumpkin that weighed in at 1,056 pounds, setting a new state record. “This is a personal record as well as a new New Mexico record. I broke my own record that I had set last year of 1,010 pounds,” Clark said proudly.
The pumpkin, named Mayfield in honor of Clark’s beloved German shepherd who passed away over the summer, captured the imagination of attendees. Clark shared that Mayfield had “always kept watch in the garden,” adding a heartfelt tribute to the animal that inspired the name.
Community memories made
The event concluded with families leaving with bags of candy, smiles, and memories of a safe, family‑friendly Halloween. Organizers highlighted the importance of community‑driven safety initiatives, noting that events like the Trunk‑or‑Treat help strengthen neighborhood bonds while providing a supervised environment for children to enjoy the holiday.
Albuquerque Community Safety plans to continue the tradition in future years, inviting more residents to participate and encouraging local businesses and volunteers to join the celebration.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
