Ask anyone about a trunk or treat event and one of the first things they will mention is safety. The events have become as much a part of Halloween as witches and Jack-O-Lanterns.
A number of area churches have organized the free events for Thursday.
First Baptist Church, located at the corner of Harvey and Main streets, will use its Main Street parking lot for Trunk or Treat. Organizers ask that people bring decorated trunks full of candy for the event, which lasts from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., Eternal Collision will perform.
Second Baptist Church’s Trunk or Treat will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The church is located at 2516 West Fifth Street. There will be free games, candy and snacks.
Other churches with Trunk or Treat events Thursday include Beaver Dam Church of Christ at 6:30 p.m. and Trinity Episcopal Church, 182 NC Highway 33 West in Chocowinity.
Trinity will start the 6 p.m. event with a brief rite for All Hallow’s Eve in the church.
A few non-secular places will partake in the Halloween tradition. The night also includes roasting hot dogs over an open fire, making s’mores and games for all ages (costumes are optional). For more information, call 946-9958.
Vidant Beaufort Hospital’s physical therapy department will have a wellness trunk or treat. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Vidant Wellness Center parking lot at 1375 Cowell Farm Road will offer more than a couple of sweets in car trunks.
The event will include balance, strength and flexibility testing, games and prizes. Call 975-4395 for more information.
A Trunk or Treat event at Beebe Park has been billed as a block party. The party will include D.J.’s and free hot dogs. Prizes will be given out for best costumes and best coloring pages. Children can get in on the judging with a “kid’s choice award” for the best decorated trunk. The Trunk or Treat will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Beebe Park, 1101 North Bridge Street in Washington. To volunteer or learn more about the event, contact Barbara Gaskins at 721-8155.
Gaskins said there was one more reason Trunks or Treats are a popular alternative to Trick-or-Treating: convenience.
“They’re all lined up,” she said. “Parents and kids don’t have to walk very far and parents can keep an eye on their children.”