A trunk of Jurassic proportions at the 2019 Southwick Trunk or Treat. Vendors are sought for this year’s event. (LISA BAILEY PHOTO)
Westfield, Southwick offer several options for candy seekers
WESTFIELD/SOUTHWICK – Although many families may choose not to participate in the Halloween trick-or-treat traditions this year due to COVID-19, there will be no shortage of candy and costumes this weekend.
On Oct. 31, Southwick, Tolland and Granville residents will be treated to a drive-through Trunk or Treat at Southwick Regional School from 2-6:30 p.m., sponsored by the Southern Tri-Town Girl Scouts, Southwick Civic Fund and Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop.
This is the second annual Trunk or Treat in Southwick. Organizer Lisa Bailey said there were nearly 1,000 children last year and she expects at least that this year. Bishop said he became involved this year because of COVID.
“Due to current events that we are all faced with, I just wanted to help give families and kids another option,” said Bishop.
Traditional trick-or-treat has not been canceled by the town and Bishop offered some tips for staying extra safe this year.
“I am hoping everyone will be cautious and follow COVID guidelines concerning masks and other self-protections,” Bishop said. “And as always, if your child is going trick-or-treating, we ask you to have them wear something that is reflective and for everyone walking to carry a flashlight.”
Trick-or-treat is also still on in Westfield, however there are also several options for those who don’t want to go door-to-door.
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)
The Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club, in conjunction with downtown merchants, is hosting a drive-through trick-or-treat event from 12-2 p.m. in the Club parking lot of South Broad Street.
Normally, the mayor hosts a trick-or-treat event downtown with city merchants. This is a continuation of that tradition.
“We are grateful to the downtown merchants who have supported this event for so many years, and look forward to ensuring that this year, our children have an opportunity to dress up in their costume and trick or treat from the safety of their family vehicle,” said Bo Sullivan, Boys & Girls Club director of advancement.
From 2-4 p.m., All Stars Dance Center will host its annual Trunk or Treat, COVID style. Owner Kim Starsiak said there will be 20 vehicles in the parking lot at 209 Root Road and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.
“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-through 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.
Westfield State Representative candidate Kelly Pease is hosting a drive-through trick-or-treat from 5-7:30 p.m. in the Mestek parking lot on North Elm Street. Pease will have costumed volunteers handing our bags of candy as residents drive-through the decorated parking lot.
“We are preparing 2,000 bags of candy to hand out,” said Pease. “We will have Halloween decorations and make it a fun experience for children – I have a great team of campaign volunteers that put this together and I want to thank all of them, and Mestek.”
