Trunk or Treat has been a phenomenon that has been observed all over the US since the 1990s. This event originated in churches that wanted to provide a safer alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. These events were often held as part of fall festivals and offered a way for children to collect candy from decorated car trunks in a controlled environment, avoiding concerns about safety or the sometimes-frightening aspects of Halloween. Trunk-or-treats are held by gatherings in a large parking lot, where people decorate their car trunks with Halloween themes and give out candy to trick-or-treaters who go from one car to the next. The event is a community-based, alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, often organized by schools, churches, and community centers.
Our own Roanoke Community held a fair share of trunk or treats this Halloween, the biggest of which was held at Cave Spring High School on October 25th. This trunk or treat has been held annually and has consistently had a good turnout. Cave Spring Volunteer Fire Department also attended this trunk or treat. “Yeah, I’ve been to trunk or treats before. I think it’s a good way to bring the community together.” said Ariston Mabes (11).
So, whether you’ve attended a trunk or treat in the past, make sure to keep an eye out for it next year. It’s a safe, fun alternative for traditional door to door trick or treating that may be more favorable for some of your younger siblings.
