Thousands of children and parents in costume filled the Port Charlotte Town Center for a festive Halloween celebration on Friday. Charlotte County deputies traded their badges for candy buckets to join in the fun.
"It's Halloween, and what better way to celebrate than with candy?" asked a participant dressed as the Invisible Man.
Capt. John Heck of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said, "This is our one big event that we have every year where we just get to give back to our community for everything they give us."
Families arrived in costumes ranging from fairy wings to mini uniforms, and even an Invisible Man, for a night of safe trick-or-treating.
Mary Sharp of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said, "We've had over 4,000 children, probably closer to five, come through the mall."
The sheriff's office received a massive amount of candy donations for the event.
"We had over two tons of candy this year. We had 4,000 and I believe 265 pounds worth of candy total, and we're down to one bucket. So we have had a banner night," said Sharp.
While candy was a highlight for many, the event was about more than just sweets.
Sharp added, "Seeing the families come in and they're together and they're able to enjoy an evening out, and it's safe, it's in a safe environment, and that's key."
Riley Proctor, dressed as a cop, cheerfully said, "Happy Halloween!"
After distributing more than two tons of candy, deputies emphasized that the sweetest part of the evening was the connection they built with families in Charlotte County.