What do antique trucks, homemade slime and friendly rottweilers have in common? These were all fun and unexpected highlights of the second annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event held at Providence Presbyterian Church in Robinson Township on Saturday, Oct. 18.
While candy is always the mainstay of any trunk-or-treat activity, the volunteers at Providence Presbyterian Church wanted to offer interactive experiences for young trick-or-treaters to encourage exploration, imagination, socialization and curiosity about the world and their place in it.
The vision for an annual fall community event originated last year with Robin Heiple, wife of the Rev. Ray E. Heiple Jr., pastor of Providence Presbyterian. When Heiple approached the church outreach committee to share her idea about a neighborhood trunk-or-treat, the team enthusiastically embraced the challenge.
“When I look at the building and property the Lord has provided for Providence, I’m filled with gratitude,” Heiple shared. “I love seeing it used to reach not only our church family but also the broader community. My hope is that Providence continues to be a blessing to everyone who walks through our doors — and to our community as a whole.”
That vision was realized when hundreds of families converged in the church parking lot for an afternoon of fun-filled activities, including face painting, a bounce house, spooky slime, creative costumes, crisp apple cider, freshly popped popcorn and several dozen car trunks full of candy.
For one of those families, this year’s trunk-or-treat was an opportunity to meet up with good friends and enjoy a carefree afternoon celebrating a cherished childhood tradition. Mother and daughter, Valerie and Meredith, came over from Imperial to spend the afternoon marking what may be their final family trunk-or-treat together.
“My daughter is already 12 years old, so this might be our last year to do this,” Valerie said. “I want to take advantage of this family time while we still have it.”
It’s these opportunities to foster lasting family memories that make events like this so special, and Adam Shaffer is happy to create a space for children and families to do just that. Shaffer and his team were the hands and feet behind the trunk-or-treat event and were thrilled to welcome so many new faces to the church grounds.
“We just want to bless our local community by using some of the resources we’ve been given,” Shaffer shared. “We want people to know that Providence is here and has been a part of this local community for 50 years. We’d love for those without a church home to consider joining us on a Sunday morning.”
More than 50 volunteers joined Shaffer to create a fun, welcoming and safe space for families to connect, relax and enjoy being outside on a beautiful fall day. Many of those volunteers dressed the part and brought some rather interesting props, including a 1928 vintage pickup truck.
Debby and Lou McCarrell (a.k.a. Bonnie and Clyde) got into the spirit of things by donning 1920s attire and hauling their antique truck to the church parking lot, where they set up a “touch-a-truck” display for the young and young-at-heart.
“I like bringing my antique truck and using it as a conversation starter,” Lou McCarrell explained as he honked the old-fashioned horn. “It’s rewarding to see the amount of people who come out from the community. We’re having fun.”
Judging from the looks on their faces, so were the children. So much so, in fact, that many lingered long after the event was supposed to end for a chance to enjoy the festivities just a little bit longer. Quite a few of them found themselves at a face-painting station.
“We had so many kids who wanted us to paint their faces,” said a volunteer working at the station. “They kept lining up to wait for their turns, even as it was getting dark.
“We were still painting faces as the sunlight was fading. We could barely see, but we were having so much fun. It was a joy to see the children’s eyes light up when they looked at the mirror and saw a butterfly, unicorn or tiger looking back at them.”
For those kids who just couldn’t get enough fall fun, there’s good news. Several other Halloween events are being planned throughout the West Hills region through the end of October, including Kennedy Township’s first “Trunk ‘n Treat,” scheduled to take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Fairhaven Park.
Karen Criscella, a member of the township’s Parks and Recreation board and part of the planning team for this new community outreach event, said the event is free to the community members. Children will trunk-or-treat at 22 different spots and then head over to the William Andrews Pavilion for pumpkin painting. Criscella also said that those in attendance will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk, and prizes will be awarded to the top three trunks.
Families are encouraged to RSVP via the Kennedy Township Parks and Rec Facebook page to ensure that enough candy, pumpkins and supplies will be available for all kids in attendance.
Criscella said the Parks and Recreation Board hope the upcoming event can help the township build stronger connections among families, neighbors and local organizations.
“These gatherings foster a sense of belonging, inspire active participation and create lasting memories for all who attend,” she said. “Whether it’s a seasonal celebration or a casual evening in the park, each moment brings us closer together as a community. We’re proud to continue this tradition and look forward to many more shared experiences ahead.”
Don’t miss out on the fun! Break out your best costumes and mark your calendars for these upcoming family-friendly Halloween events near you:
Moon Halloween Spectacular
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 5-8 p.m.
Location: UPMC Events Center
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/upmc-events-center/moon-halloween-spooktacular/1661710397852499/
Union Church of Robinson Harvest Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Date: Friday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m.
Location: 6165 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, Pa. 15136
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1219221663580708&set=a.468651338637748
Something Wicked on Wabash!
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2-4 p.m.
Location: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – West End
More Info: https://www.carnegielibrary.org/event/something-wicked-on-wabash/
Kennedy Township Parks and Rec Trunk ‘n Treat
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Fairhaven Park | William Andrews Pavilion
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1284733130100047
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School Trunk-or-Treat
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
Location: 1504 Woodcrest Ave., Coraopolis, Pa. 15108
More Info: https://allevents.in/coraopolis/olsh-trunk-or-treat/200028990112930
Harmony at Diamond Ridge Trunk-or-Treat
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: 3301 Market Place Blvd., Moon Township, Pa. 15108
More Info: https://www.paacc.com/events/details/trunk-or-treat-at-harmony-at-diamond-ridge-8557
Settlers Ridge Trunk ‘n Treat
Date: Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 p.m.
Location: In the parking lot next to Thai Foon
More Info: https://settlersridgepa.com/trunk-n-treat-7/
Ken Mawr United Presbyterian Church Trunk-or-Treat
Date: Sunday, Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m.
Location: 1760 Pine Hollow Road, McKees Rocks, Pa. 15136
Apple Blossom Senior Living Trunk-or-Treat
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m.
Location: 125 Apple Blossom Way, Moon Township, Pa. 15108
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=774966595319413&set=gm.1466284351118043
The second annual Trunk-or-Treat at Providence Presbyterian Church
Photos by Laura Smail
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