Bryan Gears Up for a Spooktacular Event for a Good Cause
As the crisp autumn air settles over Bryan, excitement is building for one of the city’s most beloved family events! This year marks the seventh annual Trunk or Treat so Kids Can Eat, a festive Halloween celebration with a heartwarming twist. Scheduled for Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will take place in the Bryan High School parking lot. Admission is completely free, but there’s a catch: attendees are asked to bring five canned goods to donate to the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
A Growing Tradition
Can you believe that it’s been nine years since this wonderful event first started? Jacob Justice, Bryan ISD’s assistant director of fine arts, reflects on the early days when just 300 people showed up in the bus loop parking lot. “We had one food truck and a handful of Bryan High organizations,” he reminisced. Fast forward to today, and this year’s event is expecting thousands of attendees and around 50 vendors! It’s truly incredible how much this celebration has grown.
A Celebration with Purpose
What sets Trunk or Treat so Kids Can Eat apart from other Halloween festivities is its underlying mission to help locals in need. Emberly Smith, a recreation supervisor with the City of Bryan, emphasized, “Not everybody is able to purchase food items or provide for their family, especially around these holiday times.” It’s a fantastic way for the community to come together while having a great time!
Fun for Everyone
Get ready for a whole lot of fun! After trunks are filled with candy and treats, families can bounce around on inflatables, enjoy train rides, indulge in face painting, snap some silly photos in the photo booth, and feast on tasty goodies from food vendors. There’s something for everyone at this celebration, ensuring a delightful day for families and friends alike.
As Justice puts it, “You’re doing good while having a good time,” making it a special event where community spirit shines bright. The event ensures that all canned goods collected go directly back into the Bryan community, supporting those who may be struggling.
What to Bring
For those planning to join the festivities, the Brazos Valley Food Bank has shared a list of preferred canned goods. Items high in protein are especially needed, such as canned corn, beans, fruit, soup, spaghetti, and peanut butter. So, when packing those canned goods, keep this list in mind to help fill the food bank’s shelves.
Continuing the Tradition
The partnership between Bryan High School’s Viking Theatre and the City of Bryan has been growing for seven years, and there are hopes to expand even further. “Right now, we’re just using this main parking lot. But in the future, I’m hoping we can grow more,” said Smith. Ideas for future expansions include utilizing nearby fields and parking lots to accommodate even more fun and festivities.
More to Come!
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for another chance to celebrate before Halloween, there’s another trunk or treat event happening on Tuesday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rudder High School. So, there’s plenty of opportunity to don your favorite costume while supporting a worthy cause!
Mark your calendars for an incredible celebration — together, we can make a difference in our community while creating magical Halloween memories with our loved ones. See you all there!
