Halloween is traditionally a time for kids to roam neighborhoods and gather treats. However, the new trend of trunk-or-treating has brought families and neighbors together in one safe place.

Fairy princesses and furry monsters alike look forward to a night around the town on Halloween, but moms and dads worry about the safety of their kids. Children can easily become distracted in the fun and excitement of Halloween while crossing streets. Many homes light up jack-o-lanterns along the paths the children walk, leading to danger of a costume catching on fire. Is there an alternative that your kids will love just as much, if not more?

What is trunk-or-treating?

Picture this: a huge parking lot with the back ends of vans and trucks decorated in a variety of fun themes; complete with games and treats. Maybe in one section of the lot there is an inflatable bounce house and in another section there is a puppet show. From babies on up to grandpas and grandmas, there is something for everyone. What a fun way to spend the evening as a family!

In many communities churches sponsor the fun event and families plan their own theme for their vehicle. Sometimes elementary schools, sororities, and large neighborhoods sponsor one as well. The best part of Trunk-or-Treating is that the parking lot is roped off, freeing kids to skip or stroll from place to place.

Let’s bring it to my neighborhood!

So you want to hold your own trunk-or-treating event? Consider what you would like to offer; from carnival-like attractions to down-home cooking. Some communities enjoy hotdogs and popcorn; others warm bowls of chili and delicious apple cider. You could bob for apples, offer hayrides, or paint faces. Then of course there are always the main event; the vehicles.