Ellis McGinley – Copy Editor
Tuesday, Oct. 27, the university’s Programs Council held their first-ever international trick-or-treating event in Engleman Hall as part of this year’s Halloween celebrations.
“It’s a twist,” said senior daytime programmer Ariana Taylor, a sophomore. “Regular trick-or-treating isn’t really possible right now.” She added that the event was about “the growth. It’s exciting to try new things.”
Daytime programmer Olivia Czachor, a junior, said the Council “values diversity and an exchange of values and ideas. We want to provide a variety of things to try.”
The event featured candy and snacks from countries such as Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, according to Taylor. They also provided American caramel treats, which they said were for students who might be wary of trying the unfamiliar. The international candy was purchased in large variety packs from Amazon.
“We want to make sure things come on time and it’s hard to work with a new company,” said Taylor.
The treats provided included everything from pickle lollipops, chile hard candy, Turkish popping candy and savory çubuk kraker, a type of light biscuit, sticks. Czachor said they had worked to provide a variety of tastes and flavors, in case students didn’t have a sweet tooth.
Interdisciplinary studies major Aleeki Shortright, a junior, said Halloween is “probably my favorite” holiday. She said she did not know of the event until she was passing by Engleman.
Secondary education major Taylor Hayes, a junior, said they heard about the event in weekly emails sent to students. They added that they had not yet tried “a lot” of international candy.
“I’m excited to try a pickle lollipop,” they said. “I think it’s organized good. I like that they have different countries. I’ve never tried Korean [candy].”
To ensure the event was within COVID-19 protocols, participating students first signed in with their student ID for contact-tracing purposes, then they can choose from each country’s dish. A gloved Taylor put their treats of choice into plastic, jack-o-lantern themed bags. All members of ProCon who staffed the event wore masks, and several hand sanitizer dispensers were nearby.
All tables were also covered in plastic. The candy was dispensed into plastic skeletal bowls and arranged so students could see each label. Council members attempted to translate as needed.
Towards the end, ProCon estimated they had seen anywhere between 15 and 20 students at their table. They also said they had been waiting for the rush of students that were let out from class, which was towards the end of their scheduled time block.
Taylor said, “planning and stuff is difficult.”
“We’re making the best of it and are there for the students who are here,” said Czachor.
This was not ProCon’s only Halloween event. They also hosted a Halloween-themed drive-in movie Wednesday, Oct. 28th, a jack-o-lantern carving on Friday, Oct. 30 and a costume contest Saturday, Oct. 31.
This was not ProCon’s only Halloween event. They also hosted a Halloween-themed drive-in movie Wednesday, Oct. 28th, a jack-o-lantern carving on Friday, Oct. 30 and a costume contest Saturday, Oct. 31.
It may also be considered a timely substitute for regular trick-or-treating, which New Haven residents are discouraged from taking part in this year.
For students who missed the event, ProCon may host something similar soon.
Taylor said although it was not possible to organize with other groups on campus this time, she is “hopeful that next semester we can collaborate and see if anyone from the multicultural organizations is interested. We want to explore other cultures.”
