Staff
The “Project Safe Hallowe’en” committee is gearing up for its third-annual “Trunk or Treat,” which will be held Monday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library.
Organizers are wanting to pack the parking lot with decorated vehicles so children can go trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment.
The idea behind “Trunk or Treat” sees local businesses, organizations, and individuals sign up a vehicle that they’ll decorate in a Hallowe’en theme, bring to the library parking lot, and then hand out candy as costumed children visit each “trunk.”
The inaugural event was deemed a success with 20 vehicles participating and an estimated 600 youngsters stopping by.
Then last year saw a few less “trunks” but more visitors.
“We’d really like to get as many vehicles as we can,” said Caroline Goulding, the new library CEO who is heading up this year’s “Trunk or Treat.”
People can register their “trunks” online at ffpltc.ca until Oct. 24 (registration is required to reserve a parking space for each one).
Participating “trunks” can supply their own candy, although residents also can drop off candy at the library to contribute to the event if they wish.
Goulding said she’s hoping to see some neat “trunks,” especially after hearing about the past two successful events here.
Like last year, trophies will be awarded to the winner in the following categories: brightest, spookiest, funniest, freshest (most original), best organization (agency or business), best individual, and best in show.
There also will be a “Costume Catwalk” at 6 p.m. inside the library for youngsters to show off their costumes.
As well, the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club will be providing free hotdogs for kids during “Trunk or Treat.”
The “Project Safe Hallowe’en” committee is hoping this year’s event will be more organized, with a plan to be made to better utilize the space in the parking lot and to have the parking lot blocked off earlier for set-up.
Meanwhile, the Rainy River District Community Policing Committee will be visiting schools the week prior to Hallowe’en to offer police-led safety presentations to all district youth from Kindergarten-Grade 5.
The theme for “Project Safe Hallowe’en” activities this year is “Do the BRIGHT thing!”—which aims to encourage children to stay safe and stay visible.
They will highlight a classroom video by 3M entitled “No White At Night,” followed by an in-classroom presentation and a brochure to take home to share with family members.
In addition, all district youth from Early Years through Grade 8 will receive a reflective lanyards to wear.
They also will be encouraging kids to wear their reflective bands on Hallowe’en night while trick-or-treating—and all year round.
