Who is ready for Trunk or Treat 2021 in Chinook? At Tuesday's meeting of the Chinook City Council on October 12, this community event received a stamp of approval. Therefore, Trunk or Treat will be held on Sunday, October 31.

In its third year, the Annual Trunk or Treat will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on the 400 block of Indiana St. Lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m.

"Although this is technically our third year, we had to cancel last year because all of the event coordinators were COVID quarantined," one of the event's organizers, Julie Terry explained.

A Trunk or Treat is an occasion where individuals decorate the trunk or tailgate of their vehicles and hand out candy. Chinook city officials have agreed in past years to block the street for the event so people can bring their children and start or end a night of trick-or-treating at this location. This feature makes the event a form of safe fun for the whole family.

Decorations can be as simple or elaborate as a person would like, but event organizers do ask that vehicles have some form of Halloween or fall decor. Terry encouraged: "Although trunks can be decorated in any manner, please keep them child-friendly and child-appropriate."

She went on to say that vehicles need to stay for the entire duration of the event as it would be unsafe for cars to pull out mid-event. Terry recommends having 300 or so pieces of candy on hand for distribution. "Our last event was very well attended! We had such a great time during our first event! I'm so excited to bring it back this year."

In past years, the police and fire departments have participated, too. Their presence adds to the appeal for most participants. Terry also recommended that if people have a piece of machinery, like a backhoe, an old tractor, or any antique equipment, they are welcome to bring that in, as well.

"It's so fun for little kids to see these machines, and it might be a creative way to advertise a business, as well," she stated.

Anyone interested in entering a vehicle in Trunk or Treat is asked to register on Facebook, using the linked form, or to email their vehicle make and model to ChinookTrunkorTreat@gmail.com by October 30. Having a headcount helps the group to know how many blocks to close to accommodate the vehicles participating.

Adding to the October 31 festivities, the Blaine County Wildlife Museum will be offering flashlight tours from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Admission is free for that given period of time. A museum spokesperson explained, "So basically, the lights will be off and guests go through the museum with a flashlight! You can bring your own flashlight or we have some available as well!"