Mass of monsters turn out for Columbia Gorge Toyota & Honda Trunk or Treat; photo gallery

Oct 31

Thursday evening saw everything at the Trunk or Treat at Columbia Gorge Motors in The Dalles including a full taco cart.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 31, 2025 — The third annual Columbia Gorge Toyota & Honda Trunk or Treat drew its biggest crowd on Thursday evening, filling the dealership lot at 1900 W. Sixth St. with candy, costumes and community spirit.

Fresh Western meets Tornado as Columbia Gorge Motors and local businesses put on a Trunk or Treat to remember on Thursday evening.

Organizers estimated more than 1,200 people attended, including about 600 children, as local businesses, youth organizations and nonprofits decorated car trunks across the lot in celebration of Halloween.

“It was our third year doing it, and it was our biggest turnout yet,” said Rachel Carter of Columbia Motors. “We had about 25 businesses out there that night — Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the National Guard, The Dalles City Police, The Dalles Athletic Club — everyone really came together.”

I’m going to need to see your license and lollipops, ma’am.

As the sun set over The Dalles, the dealership transformed into a lively Halloween carnival with witches, minions, anime heroes, Disney princesses and multiple Spider-Men moving between decorated trunks. The Dutch Bros. team hosted a “pumpkin bowling” game, while the dealership offered free popcorn — manned by high school volunteers dressed as David Bowie and Homer Simpson — and cotton candy bubbling from a cauldron inside the showroom.

Carter said the event’s growth reflects the power of local collaboration.

“I think it’s a great event — it showcases how you can do something fun and free for the community when you get a lot of hands involved,” she said. “It’s also great to see all the kids come out in a safe environment. Our staff really looks forward to having those kids out there every year.”

I’m going to cast a quick spell, and you will magically fill this pumpkin.

She added that even her Labrador, Lady, pitched in to help — taking popcorn cleanup duty seriously by making sure no kernel went to waste. “I was running around like a crazy person,” Carter said with a laugh. “But everyone did their part — and my dog might have enjoyed it the most.”

Looking ahead, Columbia Gorge Motors is preparing for its next community event — the annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27, at Lewis & Clark Park in The Dalles.

The dealerhsip is thrilled to share that Columbia Gorge Food Bank—serving Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties—is this year’s Turkey Trot beneficiary!

Aaron, Rachel and happy dog Lady will once again be at the finish line this Thanksgiving for local runners who want to gobble up the Turkey Trot course in The Dalles.

Presented by Columbia Gorge Toyota, the Turkey Trot features a 5K run or 1-mile walk benefiting the Columbia Gorge Food Bank, which serves Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties. The event has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition that helps raise funds and awareness for hunger relief across the Gorge.

“Whether you run, walk, or sponsor, your support helps ensure our neighbors have the food they need to thrive this holiday season,” Carter said.