It was an undercover Halloween operation and the parents probably had as much fun as the kids.
Public officials across the region ravaged by Hurricane Sandy were urging parents to postpone trick or treating out of safety concerns. That didn't work out so well.
It started as an email campaign among Plainview area parents. They would hold a "Trick or Trunk" party at the Stratford Road Elementary School at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Instead of door to door, the kids would go "trunk to trunk."
All the organizers asked not to be identified and asked that the unauthorized gathering not be publicized in advance. None would speak on the record.
Still, despite widespread power outages across Plainview, the news spread like leaves on a brisk autumn wind.
Hundreds of kids in elaborate costumes and their parents converged on the school. By 2:30 p.m., there was suburban gridlock on Stratford and Darley roads. The Harry Potters, the witches and all variety of little ghouls cleaned up on candy and other delights.
Someone alerted the law: a Nassau County police officer arrived at 3 p.m., his lights flashing. On a loud speaker he demanded the area be cleared and the assembly dispersed.
No matter: Halloween came after all.
Please add your Halloween pictures to this story, either from the event at Stratford Road or from other gatherings in Plainview.
