The Fort Frances Library is gearing up for another year of safe Halloween activities with the return of the annual “Trunk or Treat.”
Started over a decade ago as a safe communities initiative called Project Safe Halloween, Trunk or Treat is held in the library’s parking lot on the evening of Halloween. Businesses and community members come together, parking their vehicles and setting up stations to give trick-or-treaters a safe place to fill their bags with candy, whether it’s a child’s first time dressing up or a teenager’s last hurrah.
“It’s for all the youth who are out trick-or-treating,” Library CEO Nadine Cousineau said. “It’s a safe option for anybody who wants to participate.”
In the past, Trunk or Treat has featured an assortment of Halloween-themed activities for families to enjoy; however, this year will focus simply on the trick-or-treating element.
“In previous years we had a lot of activities happening inside the library,” Cousineau said. “We’ve done scavenger hunts, photo booths, stuff like that. But we’ve found that because it’s Halloween and families are out trick-or-treating, that’s the main point why they’re here.”
“So, we’ve scaled it back a little bit, and we are just focusing on the trick-or-treating in the parking lot. We’ll have a photo booth inside the library, but for everyone involved, it kind of works better to just stick to the basics.”
There are 13 vehicles registered so far. Drivers who want to decorate their vehicle and come to the library to pass out candy on Halloween can register online at www.ffpltc.ca/trunkortreat or by visiting the library. Registrations close on Thursday.
Trunk or Treat entries will be judged in six categories—Best in Show, Spookiest, Best Organization, Best Individual, Brightest and Most Original—and winners will each take home a 3D-printed trophy.
For anyone interested in volunteering at the library for Trunk or Treat or making monetary or candy donations, Cousineau said to contact her by visiting the library or calling (807) 274-9879.
This year’s Trunk or Treat will run from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31.
