Pirates, witches and "Toy Story" characters were among the thousands who wove their way through the maze of treats Oct. 12 during fifth annual Small Business Owners of Ascension’s Trunk-or-Treat.

The event brought in 4,108 participants, according to event coordinator Chad Brown.

Nearly 80 Ascension Parish small businesses passed out candy and other items on Cabela’s Parkway in Gonzales.

The event also featured a haunted bus, various demonstrations and activities, as well as the Ascension Christian High School marching band’s performances.

“This was a big turnout even with it being the same day as East Ascension High School’s homecoming (dance) and a big LSU home game,” said Brown, owner of Bearded Events. “People like coming to this one because of the timing before Halloween.”

“This is our fifth year. Each year has gotten bigger and bigger. We started this during COVID when there was no place for trick-or-treating.”

During those years, the event set up each trunk-or-treat booths following the pandemic social distancing rules, Brown said.

Brown coordinates the event with the help of a Facebook group of Ascension Parish small-business owners.

While the children receive candy and other treats, the event is an opportunity for Ascension small businesses to promote their services.

“We love participating,” said St. Amant’s Crystal Vest, owner of Crafty Shack of Ascension. “We’ve done it for the past four years.”

Vest, whose St. Amant business makes custom T-shirts and offers home crafts, said she signed up for this year’s event immediately after last year’s event because business slots fill up fast.

“This trunk-or-treat is the biggest one because the parking is easy, the time for the trunk-or-treat is early during the day, and the advertising is big,” Vest said.

Event co-coordinator Jordyn Bercegeay, of Preferred Loans, credited the event’s popularity to a mutually beneficial role.

“This is a popular event because of the treats given out, including not only candy, but also business coupons and other items,” Bercegeay said. “This is a great event for local small businesses. This helps get their names out and give information about their services offered.”

Balloon Creations by Mia D owner Myieshea Dillon’s business, located in Geismar, provides balloon decorations, including columns and garlands.

“I love this community and reaching out and giving back,” Dillon said. “It’s fun seeing their costumes and Halloween is a great holiday for children to dress up. This event is huge, and during my first year participating, I was overwhelmed with how many children came out. It was a lot of fun.”

For this year’s costume contest, participants scanned QR codes or emailed costume photos to enter. Facebook voters will choose the winner.

Bercegeay said the prize list included goodies from area businesses, including gas and grocery gift cards, memberships and free meal coupons.

“Coordinating this has been good for us because we are giving back and helping the community,” Brown added. “For the kids, it’s a fun outlet for them in a safe environment.”