ALl Stars Dance Center owner Kim Starsiak, at right, joins costumed dance instructor Zoe Lenston for a rendition of “Baby Shark” during the 2019 Trunk or Treat event. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS PHOTO)
WESTFIELD-Businesses, organizations, and families who wish to make Halloween a safe and fun event for local children are invited to participate in the fifth Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 31, hosted by Kim Starsiak of the All-Stars Dance Center at 209 Root Road.
“In past years we were able to have the event at the Westfield Funeral Home, however, with the pandemic, we are switching the location so there is ample space for all,” said Starsiak, owner of All-Stars Dance Center.
Starsiak said the free event for families is planned from 2 – 4 p.m., and all volunteers offering candy will be limited to two people per car.
“We have parking spaces for 15 cars to offer candy,” said Starsiak, noting cars will be parked in every other parking spot to ensure social distancing requirements by the state.
“Everyone who will be handing out candy from their cars will be wearing face masks,” said Starsiak. “All families driving thru the parking lot will stay in their cars and the volunteers will drop the goodies in a candy bag that each child will bring with them.”
At the entrance to the drive-thru event, every child will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a bicycle, as well as a voting slip so each car’s occupants can vote for the “best decorated car.” Raffle tickets and voting slips will be collected at the end of the route.
Becca Matthew completes her fruit-themed Trunk or Treat display with a fruit hat of her own creation at the 2019 Trunk or Treat. “Trunks” are sought for this year’s event at All Stars Dance Center on Root Road Oct. 31. (THE WESTFIELD NEWSPHOTO)
“Please wear your Halloween spooktacular costume too,” said Starsiak.
For persons who would like to join in on the fun and host a car, the cost is $15.
“In past years we have had families and volunteers dress up in a variety of themes, including Miss Pac Man and Mr. Pac Man,” said Starsiak, adding Wizard of Oz costumes are another popular theme.
“We are going to make sure the event is safe, fun, and will definitely offer a slice of normalcy to a child’s life,” she said.
At press time, Pamela Burl of the Westfield Funeral Home and Cremation will once again assist Starsiak with logistics, as well as representatives from Westfield on Weekends. Also, staff members at the Roots Aquatics and Fitness Center have committed to hosting a car, as well as members of St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church and the Westfield Evangelical Free Church.
“I am expecting a large crowd so if anyone wants to volunteer to assist us, please let me know,” said Starsiak, who can be reached by calling the studio, (413) 572-1122, or via email to [email protected].
Starsiak noted she planned the earlier time for the drive-thru event so that families will have more flexibility for evening plans.
“This is our fifth year and just a fun way to bring the community together,” said Starsiak. “We are going to make sure everyone is having fun, following the rules, and being safe.”
