Hurricane Sandy did not stop 5,000 trick-or-treaters from visiting Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center on Saturday, Oct. 27, for Halloween in the Garden. Thousands of fantastically dressed-up children arrived with their parents, grandparents, friends and family members to journey along the wooded path to receive countless pieces of candy and free giveaways from 90 Maryland businesses, schools and organizations. By the end of the walk, trick-or-treating bags were loaded with all sorts of goodies and informative material and, most importantly, children were smiling.

Annmarie Garden is extremely grateful for the continued generosity and support of all who participate, decorate, dress up in costume and interact so positively with members of our community. Annmarie Garden is especially thankful for the support of Solomons Day Care Center, Dominion Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, sponsors that make Halloween in the Garden possible.

Three Golden Pumpkin Awards and two Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to the following businesses/organizations for their lively spirit, Halloween decorations and unique costumes:

Ÿ Golden Pumpkin Award, presented by Dominion Cove Point LNG: Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland;

Ÿ Golden Pumpkin Award, presented by Solomons Day Care: Edward Jones Investments;

Ÿ Golden Pumpkin Award, presented by SMECO: Hoffman Transport & Moving Services;

Ÿ Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Annmarie Garden: Solomons Day Care Center;

Ÿ Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Annmarie Garden: Dominion Cove Point LNG.

For the first time ever, a number of handmade artLAB awards were presented to children and adults for the most “spooktacular,” creative, interesting and clever costumes, as well as for the tiniest costume. Proceeds from Halloween in the Garden will benefit the Holiday Food Basket Program, the Annmarie Garden Scholarship Fund and other local charities.

Jackie Sudore-Flood, Dowell

The writer is the marketing coordinator for Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center.