On the first Halloween,Barbara Gaskins spent in Washington, the Greenville native bought tons of candy for the throngs of trick-or-treaters she expected to knock on her door.
“Nobody came,” said the mother of two.
By the following year, she’d decided to plan her own event, a trunk or treat, where she and her children could pass out candy and enjoy the holiday.
Gaskins said she was not big on Halloween, but she loved holidays in general. At her inaugural trunk or treat, she passed out candy to more than 200 children.
Children were pleased with all of the candy they received. Parents were happy to have a safe and simple evening, and Gaskins was happy to see the pleased looks on everyone’s faces.
This year’s Thursday night trunk or treat will, once again, be at Beebe Memorial Park. Gaskins enlisted the help of city officials to provide lighting and additional safety measures.
Law-enforcement officials and firefighters will pass out candy. Gaskins said several car and motorcycle clubs would join them.
“We actually have Big Dogs 252 Motorcycle Club, Lazy Aces Motorcycle Club, Rits Car Club and Trend Settaz Car Club,” Gaskins said.
Two DJs will play Top 40 music for the event. There will be line dances and coloring contests.
“We’re going to try to do the ‘Thriller’ dance,” Gaskins said.
A quick meal of hot dogs, drinks and chips will be served.
“It’s for everybody,” Gaskins said. “Just expect a fun night.”
The trunk or treat event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To volunteer or learn more about the event, contact Gaskins at 721-8155.