Children trick-or-treat in a different way

WASHOUGAL — More than 600 children around Washougal had the opportunity to visit the city’s annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival. This year, it was held “on the go” due to the pandemic. “Many families showed up to safely receive their free pumpkins and Halloween goodie bags filled with toys and treats. Drive-thru participation was strongly encouraged by event organizers, but walk-ups were also acceptable,” a news release said. City staff, councilors, Washougal police officers and Camas-Washougal volunteer firefighters helped hand out items to children wearing Halloween costumes. “We saw a lot of people that looked really happy to get out of the house and have a little fun,” Councilor Michelle Wagner said in the release. Additionally, 200 leftover pumpkins were distributed to Cape Horn Skye Elementary, Meals on Wheels, Bethel Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Washougal and a local day care center. Columbia River Realty donated funds to purchase the pumpkins, while Washougal Police Guild provided reflective bags to hold treats and firefighters contributed to the goodie bags.