SHAMOKIN - Participants are wanted to hand out candy and treats during a new city Halloween event that will provide a safe environment for local children while generating some new holiday fun.
Citizens for a Better Community (CBC) will host its first Trunk-or-Treat night in Shamokin from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Oct. 31, which is also trick-or-treat night in the city. Participants will park their vehicles in the municipal lot along Independence Street between Rock and Liberty streets and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.
"It's an idea the CBC came up with to bring the community together, and create a way for kids to get their candy on Halloween in a safe, controlled area," said CBC secretary Angie Arnold.
Not only is the set up a safe way to trick or treat, it gives participants a chance to be creative.
"We've seen pictures of people dressing like zookeepers and filling their trunks with stuffed animals, or making it like a '70s theme with people sitting in bean bag chairs. It's all up to them," she said.
There will be a contest for those who decorate their trunks that night. CBC will sell tickets, four for $1, and each ticket will be a vote for a trunk. Prizes will go to the top three votegetters.
There will be entertainment at the lot and refreshments. There is no cost to participate, but donations will be accepted for the organization's projects.
Arnold said CBC is currently working to raise funds to replace the approximately 60 American flags displayed during the holidays in downtown Shamokin.
"We also managed to remove an old mine car from an area near the Whaleback, and we want to restore that and place it somewhere in Shamokin," Arnold said.
Trunk-or-treat will only be held if enough people sign up, so Arnold is asking that those wishing to hand out treats register by Oct. 24 by calling her at 648-6294.
"It will be safe, and it will be fun, so we hope the community will be a part of it," she said.
CBC is a nonprofit organization comprised of concerned and dedicated citizens who support improving and enhancing the quality of life and pride in the community.