Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Halloween came early to downtown Artesia as costumed residents and business owners turned out Saturday (Oct. 26) for Trick or Treat MainStreet.

Dressed as “La Llorona” or the weeping woman in Spanish-speaking communities, Rene Molina held her grandson Malacki Molina while greeting trick or treaters near her business, Rene’s Bookkeeping at 324 W. Main St.

“My theme was ghosts,” she said with a slight laugh. “I thought it was a pretty cool part of that.”

Saturday’s event marked Rene’s fourth year participating in Trick or Treat on MainStreet.

“It means a lot, it is so beautiful that the community comes together like this and so many people participate. Artesia comes together all the time,” she said.

At the corner of Main and Fourth Street, Lucretia Lyles looked different than her regular role as a broker for Roja Real Estate. She and her children were handing out candy and greeting residents as characters from the “Transformers” science fiction movie franchise.

“Every year, we say ‘what are we going to be?’ and the 7-year-old, Matthew, decided that we were going to be Transformers,” she said.

“So he’s Optimus Prime and I’m Lucretia Prime. I’m not sure who I am,” she said jokingly. “I am just a Transformer and proud to be a part of Trick or Treat Artesia MainStreet.”

Lyles said it was important for all Artesia businesses to support downtown merchants.

Artesia MainStreet executive director Morgan Fox said Trick or Treat MainStreet is a way of connecting the community to create lasting memories.

“Every year, we can’t believe the number of people who come downtown, decked out in their Halloween finest, to hang out with thousands of their neighbors,” she said. “This event goes to show that people are willing to connect with one another, to take time out of their busy lives to participate in creating joy for others.”

Fox said the city of Artesia and the Artesia Police Department provided help and security for the downtown event.

“We are especially grateful to the businesses and individuals that donated money to help make this event a success. Artesia MainStreet hopes you all have a very Happy Halloween,” she said.

Costume Contest winners announced

Kid – Spooky Clown: Caidence Laman

Teen – Vector from Despicable Me: Renee Flores

Adult – Tammy from Tammy: Robin Williams

Dynamic Duo – Daft Punk: Hagan Crockett and Draven Fletcher

Group – Ode to Tim Burton: Kimmons Kids

Most Creative – Paleta Man: Ismael “Boogie” Chavarria

Upcoming Events

At 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Catalyst Church, 13th and Hermosa, ninth annual Trunk or Treat.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at First Methodist Church, 500 W. Grand Ave., Trunk or Treat.

Mike Smith may be reached at 575-308-8734 or msmith@currentargus.com.