GARLAND — In several days, Rotary Park will be filled with happy children and some spooky looking cars.

The “Trunk or Treat” event is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the park. Festivities will also include a trunk and costume contest. It’s being hosted by the Garland Community Action Committee. Officials said the event is a safe alternative for youths on Halloween.

“The purpose is to not have them go from house to house, but to have them in one area,” said Veronica Thomas, a member of the committee. “It’ll also give the kids some activities to do.”

A costume contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. for children and preteens. The age groups are 0 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Volunteers are needed for the event. Donations of individually wrapped or sealed candy are being accepted. Items such as toothbrushes or pencils are being accepted too. Donations may be dropped off at Garland Town Hall, 190 S. Church Ave., Garland.

“There’s quite a few people who signed up for it, but we need a lot more,” Thomas said

Area businesses, churches, civic organizations and citizens can enter their vehicles to serve as trunk stations. Sponsors are being encouraged to decorate their car trunks or truck tailgates with a Halloween theme or an appropriate theme. A prize will be given to the best decorated station. Participants may also lead a games such as Go Fish. Sponsor must set up in Rotary Park before 5:30 p.m. For safety reasons, late arrivals will not be accepted in the park. Vehicles may not exit the park until 8 p.m.

During the night, Thomas said parents and children may also register to participate in the Toys for Tots, a program ran by the United States Marine Corps. Gifts are distributed to children of parents who cannot afford gifts during the holiday season.

All sponsors of games and trunk stations must preregister by Friday, Oct. 27, for safety precautions. For more information, contact Thomas at 910-916-5593; Eleisa Walker, 813-695-5375; or Wanda Hill Simmons, 910-529-1304.

Registration forms are available online at www.townofgarlandnc.com/news-events.html

Halloween activities to feature costume, trunk contest

By Chase Jordan

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