They might call it “Trunk or Treat,” but at Rochester Memorial School on October 20, it could have been called “Trunk andTreat” with the way some of the participants treated the kids to an entire Halloween experience in itself from the back of their vehicles that sunny late Saturday afternoon.
Spooky music, talking ghoulish dolls, creepy lights and sound effects – some trunks were a virtual haunted house, while others offered an interactive experience with games of spin the wheel, mini golf, corn hole, the claw machine, and even a blind hand grab into a bowl of worms (spaghetti).
The PTO last year was looking for something new to do as a Halloween treat, and one of the parents had attended one nearby with her family. The first Trunk or Treat last year was a great time, says PTO member Jamie Alves, and about eight or nine decorated cars lined the RMS parking lot.
“The kids had a blast,” said Alves. “This year it got a little bit bigger – we had 15 cars! And, again, the kids had a blast! It was really nice to see everyone enjoying themselves.”
As Rochester residents know, Rochester is a town with narrow country roads that turn very dark at night.
“Rochester is a tricky place to go trick or treating,” said Alves. “So we said, what a great way for them to trick or treat and in a safe area,” said Alves – at RMS, in the parking lot with no cars passing on dark streets, no fear.
There couldn’t have been fewer than a hundred families there that night, Alves said.
And who else was there? Why, Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, offering everyone the terrifying reminder that Christmas was only 65 days away, and now even closer as you read this (54 days as of this Thursday)! Danielle and Eddie Riggs made this Halloween ‘merry,’ joined by a few select skeletons instead of the usual elves and handing out candy canes to trunk-or-treaters instead of the usual Halloween treats.
Judging by the way the event has doubled in size in just one year and the elaborate tricked-out trunks, expect this particular event to evolve over time.
“We already have plans to make it better next year,” Alves said, adding that she recognized a few families from other towns nearby. “The more, the merrier!” said Alves. “It’s meant to be a community event, and it was, actually!”
By Jean Perry
