Trunk or Treat was held on Chievres Air Base from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 29.
Early in the evening before the event, Trunk or Treat volunteer cars were marshaled into their spots at the end of the road near the Chievres Army Lodge. The car owners set up their decorations and brought out the treats.
When the event started, the Chievres Military Police set up a checkpoint near the roundabout leading to the lodge. They asked families to provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation for everyone over the age of 16 years old. Families were asked to wear masks during the event, and volunteers who handed out candy were required to wear gloves.
A line was formed at one end of the trunks by the event volunteers, and families slowly filtered through to collect their treats.
Ada, one of the children at the event, exclaimed that she loved all the costumes and candy. Her father added, “I appreciate that our little ones were able to have a trick or treat this year. We can’t let the pandemic get in the way of these important moments with our families.”
Due to COVID restrictions at the time, last year’s event was smaller in scope as limitations were set on the amount of trunks and family groups allowed per time interval. Host Nation guidelines were adhered to as well this year, but due to vaccinations, the event could be more robust.
“It is important to have a Halloween [or] trunk or treat event for the community members as children look forward to trick or treating every year,” said Monica Young, the U.S. Army family morale welfare and recreation marketing director. “The children get to experience the fun of trick-or-treating in a safe environment and it is an event our community members look forward to.”
The Trunk or Treat had a live band, food trucks, and a “Trunk Trail” for children to wander through. The band played classic songs along with some Louisiana Cajun songs sprinkled in. The food trucks offered Greek food and churros for dessert. The Trunk Trail offered families the opportunity to take a spooky stroll through the woods, which had been dressed up with Halloween themed decorations and strings of multicolored lights.
Trunk contests were held to determine the best trunk decorations. Cosplayers also showed up to display their favorite costumes to the community.
“I’m happy there are other dinosaurs here to celebrate Halloween,” said Mason, a child dressed as a Tyrannosaurus rex.
His mother noted that she was grateful for the COVID-19 safety precautions taken by the event organizers and participants.
“It’s nice to know that these measures have been put in place to keep our families healthy and safe,” she said. “I'm happy [Mason] is having such a great time and I look forward to sneaking some of his candy later.”
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.02.2021 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 408506 |
| Location: | CHIEVRES, BE |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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