Howling winds, rumbling thunder, and heavy lunchtime rain threatened to derail the revival of the Trick or Treat on Russel Street event on November 1.

However, the casting of mystical incantations seemed to do the trick – the skies cleared and ghouls, ghosts, fairies, and superheroes took to the streets from 17:00, driven by an insatiable thirst for candy.

Ivonne Taylor, organising member of the Western Extension Village Halloween Group, watched in awe as heroes and their nemeses ‘waged’ heroic battles along the 2.5km loop while frolicking fairies skipped behind CPF members guiding the walk.

“It has been three years since the last trick-or-treat walk, and we feared that the weather might rain on our parade,” she said.

“I am ecstatic about the response. Hearing the children’s laughter and seeing so many families enjoy this community event is the highlight of my year.”

Smoke crawled from the bellies of cauldrons, and witches toiled over frightfully burdened tables as residents and business staff manned sweet stations, luring participants in with their ‘spook-tacular’ bounty of treats.

“Look at her big nose,” laughed the little ones, snatching sweets from a plastic claw.

Despite their belly laughs, cries of “Thank you, Mrs Witch!” followed before they bounced down the road.

“The walk was everything we hoped it would be,” said Taylor.

“It offered families the opportunity to experience the eclectic heritage of our neighbourhood, where bustling businesses have seamlessly fused into the area’s culture.”

As the sun set on a frightfully successful event, Taylor thanked participants for their support and food donations in aid of the Benoni SPCA and The Murphy Cat Project.

“None of this would have been possible without businesses and residents joining the fun and the Benoni CPF Sector 4 patrollers ensuring everyone’s safety,” she said.

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