The event is usually free and open to the public.

Types of Trunk-or-Treats

Trunk-or-treats can be categorized into several types, including:

Community Trunk-or-Treats

Community trunk-or-treats are the most common type of trunk-or-treat event. These events are usually organized by local community groups, churches, or civic organizations.

Trunk-or-treats are a relatively new phenomenon that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They are a type of Halloween event where children go from car to car in a parking lot to collect candy and other treats.

The Origins of Trunk-or-Treats

Trunk-or-treats have their roots in the 1990s, when a church in Ohio decided to create a safer alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The church, which was located in a busy neighborhood, was concerned about the safety of children trick-or-treating in the area. They came up with the idea of having children go from car to car in a parking lot, where volunteers would hand out candy and other treats.

The Rise of Trunk-or-Treats

In the early 2000s, trunk-or-treats started to gain popularity across the United States. The idea was simple: a group of churches, schools, and community organizations would come together to host a trunk-or-treat event.

The History of Halloween

Halloween has a rich and complex history that spans over 2,000 years. The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was believed to be a time of death and darkness. The Celts believed that on Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits of the dead would return to the world of the living. The Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off any malevolent spirits. They would also leave food and drink offerings for their ancestors. The festival was later influenced by Christianity, and in the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a day to honor the saints and martyrs of the Christian faith.

The Evolution of Halloween

Over time, the traditions and customs of Samhain were incorporated into the Christian celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The festival of Halloween as we know it today was heavily influenced by the Irish and Scottish immigrants who brought their traditions with them to the United States in the 19th century. The celebration of Halloween was initially met with resistance by some Americans, who saw it as a pagan holiday. However, the tradition of trick-or-treating, which originated in the Middle Ages, became a popular activity in the United States.

2024’s Top Halloween Costume Trends Here’s a look at the top-trending Halloween costumes for 2024. Gallery Credit: Danielle Kootman