By Mackenzie Byerlee
Copy Editor
Spooky drinks, unique costumes and buckets upon buckets of candy were the center of attention on Friday, Oct. 31.
The annual Trunk or Treat, held in Lot 9 brought together students from the university and New Haven communities to create a safe environment for local children to enjoy some Halloween fun.
“This is my third Trunk or Treat; we use my trunk every year,” recreational therapy major Sadie Engel, a senior, said.
Engel says she always attends the event with the university dance team.
This night was more than just a Halloween gathering. It was a chance for students and community members to come together and create something that will be remembered for years to come.
Being able to connect with the greater New Haven area is what keeps both students and faculty coming back. Interim President Sandra Bulmer was one of many that found that this event made a great impact.
“It is one of the most important things we do to create a safe, positive experience for families to engage with our university and have a great, fun time,” Bulmer said.
Similar to traditional trick-or-treating, children went to each trunk, where university students were handing out candy.
This free event — put on by the New Haven Youth & Recreation Department — is a safer alternative for those who may not feel comfortable going door to door in their own neighborhoods.
A lot of the trunks were set up by clubs and sports teams whose members came together to create a fun experience for the kids. Students who did participate were encouraged to dress in costume and turn their trunks into elaborate creations to get into the spooky spirit.
during the Trunk or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 31.
Two executive board members from the Future Educators Club, elementary education majors Masa Daker and Cole Brown, juniors, enjoyed being able to give back.
“It’s a tradition for our club every year,” Brown said. “We figured another year, another time for us to represent the club and give back to the community.”
There were many organizations outside of the university that provided their resources and showcased what they had to offer.
“We’ve got all kinds of community groups here,” Bulmer said. “We’ve got some of our legislators here, student and staff volunteers. It’s just a great community night.”
The event serves as a message to students that there are many working parts involved in making a city a safer place.
“We wanted to play a role in making these kids’ Halloween safe and fun,” Daker said.
