Best AC Content: Trunk or Treating

It's almost time for the trick or treaters to come out in their best ghoul outfits, eager to deploy their well planned tricks. No parent wants to deprive their little warlocks and ballerinas of Halloween fun but safety takes precedence over fun. Strangers, traffic and darkness are all factors to be considered. This year why not plan a trunk-or-treat for Halloween? This event features a group or cars in a parking lot dispensing treats out of trunks.This is also a great idea for those living in less populated locations where it is necessary to trick-or-treat by car. It can be as small or large as you like, but the key idea is that it is a group of people that you can trust.

The first step is to identify a group to participate. Try churches , PTAs, scout troops or any group you can organize. Organizations that have access to a large parking lot should be given first consideration. Evaluate the lighting, space and restroom availability of the location. No one will want to participate in a dark, cramped event with no facilities.

Make sure all your volunteers know what they need to do to make the event happen. A planning meeting might be the easiest way to get everyone working together. You will need volunteers to help with parking, publicity, arranging vendors and cleanup. You might also wish to specify what kind of treats may be passed out. Do choose a start and end time; two hours should be plenty of time.

The decoration of the cars add atmosphere and make the event fun. You could have a contest for the best decorations or spookiest car. You might even want to choose a theme, it doesn't' have to be a Halloween theme; just an idea to spark creativity.

On the day of the event you will want to make sure participants know where to park, have plenty of treats and supplies. As the organizer, make yourself available to solve problems and answer questions.

Some groups choose to throw large events and get local vendors involved. You might convince a local business to set up a trunk if you allow them to have a sign advertising their business on the car. A good idea is to arrange a vendor to sell food or ask a boy or girl scout troop to sell packaged snacks as a fund raiser. Some communities put on what resembles a carnival with hayrides, games and activities.

Remember to leave the area as you found it. Bring garbage bags for cleanup and take trash with you unless you have permission to use a dumpster or leave bags for pickup. Don't forget to thank voulunteers and donors. It does take some work to organize an event like this but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you provided a safe place for kids on Halloween. Finally, don't forget the camera and have some fun.