JEANERETTE, La. (KLFY) –  On Halloween night in Jeanerette, the City Marshal’s Office along with the Police Department handed out treats to children and their families.

 

The City Marshal said there wasn’t a lot of residents who had their lights on for trick-or-treaters last year, so they gave children the chance to enjoy Halloween in a safe environment.

 

“Kids weren’t getting the candy or the treats that they once did when I was a kid, so we just wanted to kind of do something different, where we bring back the festivities but also keep it safe,” said Fernest Martin, Jeanerette City Marshal and Police Chief.

 

Officials handed out candy, hotdogs, hamburgers and cold drinks to the children in the city and their families.

 

“Look I got all of them, we got to go trick-or-treating. I’m a grown man who like candy that’s it,” said Carl Rener, a Jeanerette resident.

 

Over 350 people were served, including many children dressed in the Halloween costumes.

The event was a way for law enforcement officials to interact with the community members that they serve.

 

“It’s a good collaboration because once you can get that trust, then they know they can call you, not just in a time like this, but any other time,” said Martin.

 

“It brings the community together,” said Mitchell Dubois, a Jeanerette resident.

 

“Just to keep them safe, you know them coming here, giving them free food and free candy, and knowing that they safe when they come here,” said Diamond Williams with the Marshal’s Office.

 

All to make Halloween, a little less scary for everyone and ending the night with a song…

 

“Happy Halloween, Happy Halloween. Happy Halloween, Happy Halloween,” said Williams.

 

Law enforcement in the city also patrolled the neighborhoods where children were trick-or-treated.

 

The Jeanerette City Marshal says he hopes to have this event again, next year.