ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Those looking for a bit of early Halloween fun will have just that 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. 27 at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave. Entry is $1 per person, and that covers both Trunk or Treat and the costume contest, with which all ages are welcome.
Liberal Recreation Department Events Coordinator Claudia Garcia said turnout to last year’s event was great, and she hopes to see large turnout again for this year.
“Last year's turnout was great, and we had more than 1,000 people come through our trunk or treat,” Garcia said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families to have a fun and safe Halloween evening, and it's a great way for the community to come together. Everyone who comes can enjoy sweet treats, festive decorations, and win awesome prizes in our costume contest.”
Along with a big crowd of trick-or-treaters, Garcia said she also hopes to see many trunks participate for this year.
“Signing up to have a trunk is a fun way to get involved and showcase your creativity, and we will have a best dressed vehicle contest for participating trunks,” Garcia said. “As far as the rules, we ask that decorations are family-friendly. Anyone wanting to have a trunk would just need to call me at the Recreation Department at (620) 417-8150 or email me at
Garcia said she and the Recreation Center 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,” Garcia said. “It always amazes me seeing how large the crowds are and how must support there is for the our department and everyone who participates by decorating their trunks. We were ecstatic about how big last year's event was, we couldn't believe how many people we saw go through. We've been talking about this event on our social media pages and our Web site, and we've also been on the radio to talk about what's happening around here. I’ve also been to a couple community events where I’ve been able to hand out flyers to people, so we're definitely not being silent about this event happening. We want as many people as possible to come out.”
Overall, Garcia 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,” Garcia said. “The $1 entry fee is a great deal for a full evening of entertainment, and this is open to all ages, making it perfect for the entire family. The costume contest adds extra fun with the chance to win prizes. It’s also a great opportunity for local organizations, businesses, and individuals to give back by decorating a trunk and handing out candy. I just can’t wait to see what kind of turnout we have for this year.”
