Trunks full of treats will take over downtown Whitecourt soon

A much-loved seasonal event is just around the corner. The Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 30, in downtown Whitecourt. This is the fourth year for the event, which local realtor Lexi Ames initially started. The event sees businesses creating festive spots along the roadway, using anything from vehicle trunks to pull behind trailers.

“It has grown every year, almost doubling every time for attendance. It went from 300 kids in year one to 600 in year two and 1100 last year for year three. So, it would be cool to reach 1500 this year, or even more,” said the Whitecourt Chamber’s Executive Director Alyssa Calliou. Having attended with her daughter last year, Calliou said she credits the rapidly climbing success of the event to how accessible it is.

“I think it’s easier for a lot of people. I’ve heard from people that live out of town that this event makes it easy because they can just come to one spot and trick or treat in that area. For younger kids, it keeps them trick or treating in the daytime, which I know parents like. I think people like having something where they can take their kids and have a fun time. My daughter is in a wheelchair, so the fact that she can go and trick or treat like this is awesome,” said Calliou.

Flat ground, high visibility, no hazards, and lots of friendly faces make the Trunk or Treat event popular for families with children of all ages. “It’s for everybody to come and have fun. The kids come out, get candy, see fun setups, and see their friends. For the adults, they get to get out, see the businesses and see their neighbours. It’s great for everybody.”

Though most stores in the downtown are closed on Sundays, Calliou said they sent out a letter to encourage businesses to open up and join the fun, especially with so many people in one area at one time. “If you think about it, 1100 kids attended last year, and usually it’s a family thing where often two parents join them, so that’s at least 1000 more people on top of that. That’s like 20 percent of the town. I know some come from out of town, but it’s a fantastic advertising opportunity for businesses.”

Calliou said businesses that don’t have time to participate in the event could sponsor an activity or entertainment to add to the fun. “We have Diana Wedel face painting for us thanks to a sponsorship from Primerica. It might be nice to have live music or something like that too.” One thing that Calliou said she hopes to get lined up is some grub. “We are looking to have food trucks join us. It would be a great addition. If you have one, please reach out.”

As of October 13, there are 23 trunks signed up, and Calliou hopes to reach 28/30. Businesses can choose to be as elaborate as they wish, and there are no expectations outside of providing candy with a smile. “It’s great how there are so many people at each trunk. They are also entertaining because they are dressed up and getting into it. Last year, we had great weather, so I hope we get the same thing this year,” said Calliou.

She said they already have a few interactive setups registered, including a haunted house, as a sneak peek ahead of the bid day. “I think those are so cool. But honestly, you can do anything! You could hang a Halloween tablecloth as a backdrop on your vehicle and wear a costume to hand out candy. I know some people are bringing generators and inflatables. There’s so much you can do if you want to. But you can also just dress up and have a couple of things. It doesn’t have to be huge.”

And it’s not just Whitecourt. Another community is joining in on the fun. “We are doing a Trunk or Treat in Mayerthorpe this year on October 31 from 4-6, called Mayerthorpe Treat Street. This is the first year doing it there, and there are already lots of businesses signed up.” Mayerthorpe falls under Whitecourt’s District, enabling the Chamber to share the fun around the region.

For Ames, having kickstarted the fun four years ago, she said she is blown away by how well it has done. “The first year, we expected to get 100 kids, and we had 300. In 2021, we hit record trunks with 22 and over 1200 kids!” Ames said the event also brings excitement for the companies participating and sparks some “healthy competition” as they plan and execute their trunks. “Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity to get your name out there in the community and do some team bonding.”

After hearing that Mayerthorpe will be doing its own event this year, Ames said she is amazed at the growth. “I attended a Trunk or Treat in Fort Saskatchewan with a friend, and I was amazed at such a neat event. I had to bring it to Whitecourt for the community, but I never once thought it would get to be as big as it is! I am so thankful for the community support, and I am so excited to see it all unfold in Mayerthorpe now too!”

Whitecourt’s Trunk or Treat will run from 12-3 pm on October 30 in downtown Whitecourt. The roadway will be closed from 9 am to 4 pm to accommodate the event. Businesses interested in joining the fun are highly encouraged to reach out to the Whitecourt Chamber office to speak to Calliou or visit www.whitecourtchamber.com and click on Events.