ALLENTOWN, Pa. – At the Lehigh County Government Center Friday, it was anything but business as usual.
“We are hosting all of the inner-city daycare centers for a safe Halloween trick or treat. And it is Candy Land,” Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong says.
Everyone, including judges and the District Attorney; dressed up, decorated every corner, and invited dozens of local daycares and families for a safe and sweet Halloween adventure.
For County Executive Phillips Armstrong A.K.A Scooby Doo, this tradition is all about giving back.
“This is no taxpayer expense,” Armstrong explains. “This is just the employees all chipping in for this experience for these children in inner city Allentown.”
And the joy; you could see it on every face, big and small.
“Even as they’re coming in the door, they’re hugging me. They’re so happy. Their eyes light up when they see this,” Armstrong added.
We asked, “Lucas, what are you?”
“Shadow.”
“What was your favorite part?” we said.
“Candy!”
“I love it. They go all out,” Lucas’ mom, Yuleimni Vasquez says. “I think it’s amazing. The kids love it. We come every single year. We are at Adventurous Kids Day here. So, this is like our go-to for Halloween time. It’s amazing.”
As the little ones collect their treats, there’s one thing Armstrong says is certain.
“We have reservations for over 100 students coming. So, we will have enough candy for everybody. Scooby-Dooby-Doo will not run out of candy,” Armstrong added.
A sweet day; where a little candy, a lot of creativity, and a whole bunch of smiles turned the government center into a childhood dream.