A unique approach to trick-or-treating was a sweet success Saturday.
Trunk or Treat took place at ODAS Park, where hundreds of kids showed up over the course of a few hours to pick up goodies in a safe setting.
Individuals and representatives of local businesses parked their vehicles on the property and excited, costumed kids made their way from one to the next, collecting treats along the way.
“This is a great opportunity for the kids to still get to be kids,” said Shannon Cousens, who attended with her husband and two young children. “We get to enjoy it safely. I think they should do this every year, COVID or no COVID.”
Sara Ranson was at ODAS Park with her parents, Dale Ranson and Alan Wilson, to hand out treats to kids.
“We love Halloween,” she said, adding Saturday’s event was a way for them to still be festive despite the situation.
“It’s about giving back to the community during a tough time,” Wilson added.
That was the whole point, said Derick Lehmann, who teamed up with the Orillia Youth Centre and ODAS Park to put on the event.
“Everyone’s loving it. They’re thankful. Parents feel safer because it’s during the day,” he said.
Lehmann thanked everyone who attended — all of whom had to register in advance — and apologized to those who couldn’t get a ticket.
“But, post-COVID, I’d love to do this again and get 100 cars and 1,000 kids,” he said.
He thanked everyone who helped make the event a success.
“There are lots of great people in this community,” he said.
