I was lucky enough to grow up in the small town of Churubusco, Indiana. A small, but tight-knit community provided me with a safe place to play, ride my bike, and enjoy festivities like Halloween. I was oblivious to the fact that the world outside wasn’t as idyllic as my hometown. Not everyone has a place to do simple things like go to do demanding candy while dressed as a cat. One safe trick-or-treat option is a tailgate trunk-or-treat!

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After discovering that places like Chicago, New York, and other parts of the country don’t have a quaint neighborhood complete with a generous fire station whipping up delicious hot dogs and popcorn along with hot apple cider – thank you Churubusco Fire Department – I found that traditional trick-or-treat just doesn’t work. A great answer came from a community in New Hampshire.

Tailgating + Trick-Or-Treat = Trunk-Or-Treat

The community gathers cars on baseball field, pop open their trunks, and hand out candy to kids roaming the well-lit pop-up community. It’s tailgating + trick-or-treat and it’s brilliant. Some of my most cherished Halloween memories revolve around trick-or-treating with friends and showing off my mother’s skill creating whatever glitter-festooned costume I had demanded. I could never imagine not getting to have that experience, and the rural town in New Hampshire came up with amazing way to safely trick-or-treat without driving miles between houses.

How To Trunk-Or-Treat

Create a family-friendly event by getting the community involved. Find a location that will have lights – much like the baseball field in New Hampshire – and get fellow parents to join in the fun. The more cars you have join in the trunk-or-treat the better. Load up your trunk with candy, and watch the kids have an amazing time without having to worry about safety or long drives.

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Endless Possibilities

Decorate cars and have a parade to make the trunk-or-treat even more enjoyable. Organize activities like a costume contest or offer a few games for kids to burn off some of the sugar-fueled energy. Take the trunk-or-trunk as an opportunity to have fun and connect.

Does your community have a special way to celebrate the holidays? Share your town’s traditions in the comment section below!