Time to decorate your trunk once again
It's time to clean out your trunks and showcase your decorating skills. The third annual "Trunk or Treat" event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the St. Edward's School parking lot.
"We had 16 trunks and about 200 individuals walk through last year," said Nikki Traen, one of the organizers of the event. "We had wonderful weather and great crowds."
After holding the inaugural event three years ago on a weekday evening, organizers decided to switch it last year to a weekend during daylight hours in order to make it safer for the children and also so the smaller children wouldn't be out so late.
Having the event on Saturday morning also allows parents that might be working during the week to be able to have more time to get their trunk or back of their vehicle decorated, rather than hurrying home after work.
It also allows parents more time to help the children with their costumes. The public is invited to enter a vehicle and participate by passing out treats.
Or they can attend with their children to collect treats. It's also a great social time with some parents bringing coffee and goodies, while hot chocolate was also sold.
Last year's participants decorated the back of their SUV's, trunks or even decorated a table. Some were decorated in a Halloween theme, while others chose a variety of themes such as farming, Pac-man, animals or something else.
Businesses can also participate as the Mascot did at last year's Trunk or Treat.
"We are doing a favorite trunk contest again so we really want to make sure trick-or-treaters vote," said Traen.
"The fees that we collect for entering a trunk will go to the winner that is voted the best trunk." For those interested in participating, the entry fee is only $5. Trunk set up time is 10 a.m. Parents are also urged to dress up for the event.
Treats should be store-bought and individually wrapped. No homemade treats will be allowed. "We are very fortunate for the community's support and all the individuals that come out to our event," said Traen.
"It was great to see so many individuals enter a trunk into the event. Without the trunks, it is hard to have Trunk of Treat."
Traen said the event was initially designed for a couple of reasons. "We thought it would be nice for those folks who do not live in town to participate in handing out candy," Traen said.
"It can be difficult as a parent going from home to home, while also having your children get in and out of a vehicle constantly; especially with children who are in car seats.”
"You can also think of it as a safer method for children being in just one parking lot going around trick-or-treating, rather than running around on the streets that may not be well lit and difficult for drivers to see them."
"Trunk or Treat" was originated several years ago by P.E.A.C.E. to make Halloween safer and more convenient for parents and their children.