It was a good day for 3-year old Brody Blazetic at the Trick or Treat Trail at Osborne Park in Willoughby. The Eastlake boy and his family lined up for the approximately hour-long trip around the pool and other areas of the park on a sunny but cool October afternoon dressed up in a police officer costume. He had a big happy surprise waiting at the end. Hundreds of families and thousands of trick-or-treaters worked their way around the trail and finished at a stop to get candy from Willoughby Police and Willoughby firefighters who had their vehicles on hand and sweet gifts to hand out. “He is a big fan of police officers and wanted to wear this costume today and he loves trick-or-treating,” Brody’s mom Amanda said. “It is a beautiful day and this event is so well put together. It is good for the community and helps get him in the mood for Halloween.” Families closed their trek around the park with candy offerings from Willoughby police and firefighters, including Sam Patrizi and Joe Ponzani of the fire department. A big, enthusiastic crowd came to Osborne Park in Willoughby for the Trick or Treat Trail event on Oct. 26. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Three-year old Brody from Eastlake was dressed as a police officer for the Trick or Treat Trail event at Osborne Park in Willoughby on Oct. 26. (William Tilton - News-Herald)The Trick or Treat Trail event at Osborne Park in Willoughby drew a big crowd on Oct. 26. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Show Caption1 of 3A big, enthusiastic crowd came to Osborne Park in Willoughby for the Trick or Treat Trail event on Oct. 26. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Expand “It’s nice to be out here and for the kids to see the truck and see how we operate, I think they enjoy it,” Patrizi said. “And the ones that are in police or fireman costumes, sometimes it gives them extra energy when they see us.” Ponzani said the department participates in several events such as the Trick or Treat Trail, and it is always an enjoyable experience. The 1-mile trail, hosted by the Willoughby Parks and Recreation Department, included tables manned by local businesses and organizations such as SportsClips and Willoughby Kiwanis passing out candy to eager trick-or-treaters making their way around Osborne Park. At the 2023 event, Willoughby Parks and Recreation Director Judean Keller said: “Why do we do this? To say thank you to the residents. The businesses want to say thank you, too. We absolutely plan on this being an annual event.” If the size of the crowd and the happy families finishing the trail on Oct. 26 were any indication, the event will surely be an annual staple in Willoughby.