The Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGCA) has devised a fun and creative way for children to enjoy a safe, socially distanced Halloween this October.
BGCA’s Trunk or Treat event will take place Oct. 25 in the parking lot of the Town and Country Centre. Kathy Ritcher, manager of Events, Volunteers and Administration, said this is the first time BGCA has planned this event.
“We jumped on the idea and got approval from Alberta Health Services (AHS),” she said. “It’s a free event, we are just asking that people that come bring a non-perishable food item for the Airdrie Food Bank.”
According to Ritcher, the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can dress up in their Halloween costumes and trick or treat, collecting candy from the trunks of 18 vehicles that have registered to take part in the event.
Ritcher said the event has been well received by the community. Of the 18 vehicles that will decorate their trunks and hand out treats, Ritcher said half are business sponsors and the other half are dedicated community members. Toys “R” Us, Airdrie Highlander Football, Smart Automotive and Tire Craft, GoodLife Fitness and HairBenders Salon are among the companies that have registered to participate.
“Eighteen cars is amazing,” Ritcher said. “We are so happy to have these businesses and community members support BGCA.”
She added BGCA hopes Trunk or Treat will provide a safe Halloween alternative for families.
“It is just a fun way to bring a different view to Halloween this year, with everything going on,” Ritcher said. “Parents that might not necessarily want to take their kids out trick or treating can do so in this environment if they choose.”
Although the pandemic has made planning events a little more difficult, Ritcher said BGCA is continuing to host events for the community to ensure children have fun things to attend, while keeping everybody as safe as possible.
“We are trying to come up with creative ideas to get the community involved,” Ritcher said. “We are in close contact with AHS at all times.”
According to Ritcher, anyone feeling sick should not attend the event. BGCA will also keep track of who attends for the purposes of contact tracing. She also said masks aren’t mandatory but are highly recommended for kids and parents planning to attend. Anyone handing out candy will wear a mask and gloves.
“Just come out, be safe and have fun,” she said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
