By: Brianna Wallen
Editor-in-Chief
From mighty superheroes to brave princesses, the Brownell Parking Lot was filled with Halloween costumes, candy and plenty of spooky decorations as the university welcomed families to its annual “Trunk or Treat” celebration on Saturday, Oct. 31.
University departments, student organizations and athletic teams transformed their vehicles and tables into Halloween-themed displays, creating a festive trail for children to visit and collect candy.
“One little girl was dressed as Princess Tiana. I was bending down to give her candy, and she came up and gave me a hug,” biotechnology major Ny’ela Porter, a junior, said.
Porter volunteered with Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement, where she dressed as an alien and helped bring the group’s space-themed display to life. This was her second year participating in the annual tradition.
The displays featured themes ranging from under the sea to outer space, by giving children plenty of stops to make as they showed off their costumes and filled their candy bags.
Since Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, the celebration ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In previous years, “Trunk or Treat” typically took place at night, but volunteers welcomed the switch to a daytime celebration.
“I liked it better in the morning because the community got to do “Trunk or Treat” in the morning and still go trick-or-treating at night,” Porter said.
The earlier schedule also gave volunteers a chance to participate in the festivities without giving up their own Halloween plans.
“Volunteers are able to do that service in the morning and still get their night to celebrate as well,” Porter said.
Representing the Bronze Leadership Program, healthcare studies major Pelumi Omosowone, a freshman, the celebration was another opportunity to enjoy a tradition she has looked forward to since high school.
“I went to Hillhouse High School, so this is my third ‘Trunk or Treat’ here, but my first as a college student,” Omosowone said.
For her, the celebration is about more than candy and costumes.
“It brings everyone together, and everyone is laughing and having a great time,” Omosowone said.
Omosowone said she hopes that volunteers take this as an opportunity to speak with community members and departments beyond the university like New Haven Police.
“It also allows students to interact with people from outside the community and get to know New Haven better,” Omosowone said.
Psychology major Jerome Lowery, a junior, experienced “Trunk or Treat” for the first time this year.
“I liked seeing people in their costumes and getting into the Halloween spirit,” Lowery said.
Lowery also appreciated the opportunity for students and local families to spend time together.
“I like seeing the community connect with our school,” Lowery said.
With candy-filled bags, creative displays and children showing off their Halloween costumes, “Trunk or Treat” once again gave the university and the New Haven community a reason to come together.
