11/1/2012 VICENZA, Italy- Mother Nature couldn't dampen the spirits of Halloween goers at Villaggio this year. Despite the cold rain throughout the evening, an estimated 2,250 Italian children and their parents from the Vicenza area came to the American housing area for Trick-or-Treating. American and Italian children enjoyed the collection of candy and treats together.
"Halloween is a time much loved by the American children, and we opened up our event to the Vicenza community in order to share a beloved trick or treating tradition," said Col. David Buckingham, USAG Vicenza commander.
Robin Sampson, Villaggio resident, said Halloween rain or shine, we had so much fun handing out candy.
Italian visitor Suvi Tirronen shared her thanks with acomment on the garrison Facebook page.
"Thank you for such a nice Halloween evening what we did have. Despite of rain the kids felt welcome in your housing area and got loads of American candies (exotic!) We need more actions like this to feel Vicenza "our" city," said Tirronen.
This year's celebration had a new Trunk or treat event where Americans decorated their cars and distributed sweets. Soldiers and civilians also manned eight candy booths, Villaggio Families distributed candy from the doorsteps of their homes, and a Family Readiness Group opened a haunted house for trick-or-treaters.
"We thank everyone who participated and are glad to have had the opportunity to share with our Italian neighbors this unique cultural tradition," said Buckingham.
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