ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Halloween holiday will be here before everyone knows it, and those looking to get some extra candy will have just that opportunity thanks to the Liberal Recreation Department.
The Liberal Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Trunk-or-Treat and costume contest from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave. Activities Supervisor Christi Starr said last year’s event was definitely a success.
“Last year, we had around 3,000 people come out, and we had lines stretching all the way around the building, so it was HUGE. We always work to keep the line flowing as much and as quickly as possible,” Starr said. “We had 45 trunks from different individuals and businesses and organizations, and if you want to have your trunk be part of the fun, it is absolutely free to do so, you just need to provide your own candy. We give out prizes for some of the best decorated trunks and some other things like that. It's a big family event, and we encourage everyone to come out and check everything out this year. With the costume contest, everyone will take a photo in front of our special backdrop at our booth, and then we do the judging the following day and then contact all the winners shortly afterward, and they'll get their prizes from the Recreation Department. This event is a favorite among all the Recreation Department staff. It's just really fun every year to see all the children and their families come out, and it's also really fun to see how all the different trunks are decorated. We see children of all ages participating, ranging from little babies all the way up to late junior high, and it's just awesome to see that.”
With the success of last year’s event, Starr said she hopes to see several trunks again for this year, adding there are many benefits to participating.
“This event is a great way for you to put your business out there for people, and there are A LOT of people who come through, so think of all those extra people who now know about your business. It's also a fun and different way to be involved in the community, and it's a great chance to dress up and just get in the Halloween mood,” Starr said. “Anyone wanting to have a trunk would just need to call me at the Recreation Department at (620) 417-8150 or email me at
Starr added she hopes to see big crowds again for this year’s event.
“We just love seeing everyone come out, and if you're someone who's into Halloween and you have a great costume, come out and participate in our contest, because you might end up winning something,” Starr said. “We see some absolutely fantastic costumes, we have a lot of very creative people in town, and one of my favorite parts of this is seeing what the children come up with, and even the family costumes are amazing. It's just really a lot of fun for everyone. We had a really, really big crowd last year, so it might be tough to surpass it, but based on that, we're expecting a big turnout for this year too. I've already gotten almost 20 trunks signed up, and it's only around the beginning of the month, so I think we'll surpass last year as far as trunk participation.”
Starr said she and her staff are always excited to put the Trunk-or-Treat together.
“There are always people who go above and beyond with their costumes and their trunk decorations, and it's just great to see how creative people can get when it comes to Halloween,” Starr said. “There are a few we always wonder 'How will they top what they did last year?' It always amazes me seeing how large the crowds are and how must support there is for the Recreation Department and the businesses that participate with their trunks. We were ecstatic about how big last year's event was, we couldn't believe how many people we saw go through. And with the way we have everything set up, safety is kept in mind, and we will think of ways to make the line flow a little better and a little quicker. We've been talking about this event on our social media pages and our Web site, and we're on the radio about once a month to talk about what's happening around here. We're definitely not being silent about this event happening, we want as many people as possible to come out.”
Starr also talked about parking for that evening.
“With parking, we have our lot south of the building close to the football field, and there's also a lot by McCray Park. People are also allowed to park along the streets in front of the building save for the emergency zones,” Starr said. “If people will plan ahead a little bit, they’ll be able to find a good space for themselves and make things a little easier.”
Overall, Starr said, she and the Recreation Department staff are excited to see the community take part in some Halloween fun that evening.
“We're excited for everything that will be going on with this year's event, and I can't wait to see everyone who comes out, and I can't wait to see all the different decorations people come up with for their trunks for that night!” Starr said.
