The day before Halloween was quite a treat for local kids.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of many people, more than 800 kids picked up treats, saw lots of Halloween displays and enjoyed safe, outdoor, daytime fun at the second annual Trunk or Treat event at ODAS Park on Saturday afternoon.
There were 50 ‘trunks’ that participated in this year’s event. The vehicles were set up around the park and most had extensive and impressive Halloween displays.
The event was created and organized by Derick Lehmann along with the Orillia Youth Centre last year to help provide a safe trick-or-treating event during the pandemic.
“This year, as restrictions have been lifted, we were able to accommodate more than double the number of kids coming to collect candy,” Lehmann explained.
“The kids enjoy getting lots of candy, the parents appreciate the safe daytime environment (compared to evening hours on streets with moving vehicles) and the 'trunkers' go all out to decorate their vehicles for the kids to enjoy,” said Lehmann of the popular event.
He says the feedback has been positive, with the vast majority saying they’d like to see the event continue, post-pandemic.
“I’d love for us to see 200 trunks and 2,000 kids participate someday,” said Lehmann, who noted the community “is really supportive” of the event. He said there is talk of adding a haunted hay ride, a pumpkin carving contest and a haunted house experience.
“It’s great to see people enjoy a fun, family event,” he said.
Lehmann said he has always loved Halloween and is happy to volunteer his time and efforts to ensure the tradition continues.
“After my trick or treating days ended in high school, our family would always set up some type of scare for the kids that came by on Halloween night,” he explained.
“The light show on Dale Drive and Trunk Or Treat are now an extension of that on a bigger scale,” he explained.
“It’s always great to be involved with community events that bring people together, especially now as we need more positivity in the world.”
