Heather Latter
Picture this—a huge parking lot with the back ends of vehicles decorated for Hallowe’en, where children can go trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment.
That’s what the Community Policing Committee, along with its community partners, is planning as part of “Project Safe Hallowe’en” this year.
“We were wanting to do something different, something fun for kids, that promotes safety and community, and that would really get into the festivity of Hallowe’en,” said local OPP Cst. Anne McCoy.
That’s when the idea of a “Trunk or Treat” celebration was suggested.
“I really like the idea of putting on an event for kids that they can come to with their parents that incorporates the agencies that help families,” Cst. McCoy explained.
“It fits in really nice with the theme of ‘Project Safe Hallowe’en’ and it’s just a nice breath of life for the project,” she added.
“And children can go out trick-or-treating around town afterwards.”
Cst. McCoy also noted since Tess Coish isn’t planning her “haunted backyard” this year, there still will be a Hallowe’en event in town for kids to visit.
The “Trunk or Treat” celebration will take place Hallowe’en night from 4-6 p.m. in the parking lot at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.
“Anyone can register their decorated vehicle—businesses, organizations, individuals,” said Cst. McCoy.
“We want to pack the parking lot.”
She’s hoping businesses and organizations will challenge each other to get involved.
Those interested in participating can register online at www.rainyriverdistrictcpc.ca or by contacting the library.
There is no cost to participate.
Those taking part will be able to set up their vehicles prior to 4 p.m. so they’ll be ready to go when the children start to arrive.
“Each registrant is asked to provide candy for at least 250 children,” noted Cst. McCoy.
“But if cost of candy is an issue, please contact the library,” she added, saying anyone who would like to donate candy can drop it off at the library or at Tess’s Kitchen.
“I know some people have donated to Tess’ event in the past so if people still want to do that, we are more than happy to make use of the candy,” she remarked.
Cst. McCoy is expecting “Trunk or Treat” to be a fun-filled event, complete with trophies for the trunk decorating.
“They’ll be trophies for the best trunk by a business, as well as the best individual and best agency,” she noted.
The other categories will include best in show, brightest and most visible, spookiest, most creative theme, most original, and the funniest.
Prizes will be awarded to the top winner in each category.
“And if there are any ties, the winner will be determined by a Gangham style dance-off,” Cst. McCoy laughed.
The “Trunk or Treat” event also will include the display of pumpkins for a pumpkin-carving contest.
All registered pumpkins must be dropped off at the library by 3 p.m. on Oct. 30.
The library also will present a Hallowe’en Fashion Show–Zombie Cat Walk, which will take place at 5 p.m. during “Trunk or Treat.”
To sign up for either of these, register online at www.rainyriverdistrictcpc.ca or by contacting the library.
And in conjunction with “Trunk or Treat,” a community spaghetti take-out dinner will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre auditorium.
Tickets cost $5/person (those four and under free), which will be available at the door.
All proceeds will go to support Rainy River District Community Policing youth initiatives.
