By Haley Grinder
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The second official Trunk or Treat event was held last Friday, Oct. 29. The all-inclusive festivity was held at the Akisqnuk Arbor from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and boasted children and youth in costume ready to collect treats. There was also a contest for best decorated vehicle.
The inspiration for the Trunk or Treat event was rooted in creating a safe, socially distanced environment to celebrate Halloween amidst COVID-19. “Prior to the pandemic, we had done things like a haunted house and goody bags, so trunk or treating became the only viable option once public health restrictions came into effect,” says Richard Bryce, family support worker at Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society.
The whole event was held outside, and decorated vehicles were invited to park spaced out on the arbor, as they competed for the best trunk or treating vehicle. First, second, and third cash prizes were handed out to the winners. Congestion was limited by also spacing out spectators, limiting a few people at each vehicle at a time. Treats for the “trunk or treaters” were purchased in bulk, as opposed to individual goody bags. Hand sanitizer was also available at the entrance.
“We just love seeing the smiles on children’s faces, it’s the greatest reward in our line of work,” says Bryce.
The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society was in charge of organizing the event. They say that— although the second annual Trunk or Treat was a success— in the future, they are “open to adaptation if that’s what the community is looking for.”
