Many of the people who visited Mentor Nissan during a two-hour stretch on Oct. 19 were more interested in collecting candy than shopping for cars. An abundance of costumed children scurried around the auto dealership’s lot between noon and 2 p.m., during the third annual Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party. The event featured a total of 12 businesses and nonprofit organizations that handed out candy from the trunks of vehicles. Participants also decorated the open trunks — or tailgates, for SUVs —in styles that were suitable for Halloween. These vehicles were parked in one section of the lot at Mentor Nissan, which is located at 6960 Center St. Trick-or-treaters who entered the event formed a line and visited every trunk to receive their goodies. Mentor Public Library served as one of the treat distributors. The library’s vehicle trunk and the area leading up to it were decorated as Whoville, the fictional town depicted in several Dr. Seuss books. Amy Raischel, a children’s library associate, dressed up as Cindy Lou Who, a character in the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” She welcomed every child to Whoville before depositing treats in their Halloween bags. Raischel said she enjoys representing Mentor Public Library at the event. “I love coming out and just decorating (the trunk display) and being part of the community, and seeing the kids’ faces when they come up to get their treats,” she said. “It’s great to be here.” Windeler Parisi, second from right, standing, gets ready to receive some goodies during the Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party on Oct. 19. She was visiting the trunk-or-treat station sponsored by Mentor Nissan. Logan Lait, seated on the left, and Katy Gentile handed out treats at the dealership’s display. Windeler was accompanied by her mother, Alexandra Parisi, standing at far right. (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) Windeler Parisi was one of the many children who had  fun at the Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party. She dressed up as Winifred Sanderson, a character in the movie “Hocus Pocus.” Windeler, who’s 3 years old, attended the event with her mother, Alexandra Parisi, and her grandmother, Ainslie Reschke. They all reside in Mentor. Alexandra said she learned about the trunk-or-treat celebration through a Facebook post. “We love Halloween and try to go to as many Halloween things as we can each year in the community,” she said. The Combs family of Mentor-on-the-Lake all put on costumes to attend the Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party on Oct. 19. Aryia, left, sported a Snow White costume; daughter Traci, who’s 16 months old, dressed up as a witch; and Aryia’s husband and Traci’s father Steve portrayed Jon Snow, a character in the TV series “House of the Dragon.” The Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party featured a total of 12 businesses and nonprofit organizations that distributed candy and other goodies to children from decorated trunks of vehicles. (Bill DeBus – The News-Herald) Trick-or-treaters got the chance to gather goodies under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s. “The weather is beautiful, and the turnout is even better,” said Ray Sminchak, managing partner of Mentor Nissan. Sminchak said Mentor Nissan “is thrilled to unite the community for an afternoon of fun.” “This event offers parents a daytime option for Halloween festivities and gives kids another chance to show off their costumes,” he said. “It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the amazing businesses and organizations that enrich our community.” He estimated that the Oct. 19 event would draw more than 500 people over the course of two hours. Sminchak said the idea for Mentor Nissan to sponsor a yearly Trunk or Treat Block Party began as a collaboration with Patty Perry, a customer of the dealership. Perry also is the owner of ProMark Enterprises, a Mentor-based marketing, public relations and event-planning firm. “We’ve established a strong relationship with ProMark Enterprises that has helped us engage with the community through meaningful and impactful events,” he said. The Mentor Nissan Trunk or Treat Block Party also featured recorded Halloween music and free hot dogs for all guests. In addition, each decorated trunk was entered into Mentor Nissan’s Trunk Decorating Contest, in which the winner receives $500 and the event’s Trunk or Treat trophy. Sminchak said the grand-prize winner for the best-decorated trunk is determined through votes cast by  Mentor Nissan employees.