UPDATE: Halloween in the Park, MOV Trunk or Treat Offering Treats at Washington County Fairgrounds | News, Sports, Vacancies

Serenity Dieter of Marietta took part in the games Saturday at the 37th annual Halloween Party at Washington County Fairgrounds Park. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

MARIETTA — Families and their children enjoyed fun in a safe environment during the 37th annual Halloween in the Park and MOV Trunk or Treat event Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Marietta.

The day started with Halloween at the park, which organizer Connie Grimes said brought out a lot of kids on Saturday.

“We opened… at noon and there was a steady line all the way.” she said.

The event began 37 years ago due to concerns about the safety of children as well as the safety of Halloween candy. It’s an alternative for parents taking kids trick-or-treating while still keeping candy, games and more in a safe environment.

“We wanted them to enjoy trick-or-treating, so if they couldn’t go at night, they would still have a trick-or-treating experience.” said Grimes.

Tucker Scott of Lowell was eager to wear his giraffe costume Saturday to the MOV Trunk or Treat event at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Children trick or treat with participants who set up Halloween-themed decorations in the backseats of their cars, where they hand out candy to the children. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Trunk or Treat has grown in popularity over the years, and a number of similar events are held throughout the area, she said. This year the numbers have dwindled slightly due to competing competitions.

“We still want it to be for kids.” said Grimes. “If we still have 200-300 children, that’s still fine.”

The event was held in the fairgrounds chicken barn, so weather was not a factor.

Cooperating organizers included the Marietta Civic Club, the Pioneer Women Civic Club, the Morning Rotary Club, the Afternoon Rotary Club, the Umbrella Club of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the Kiwanis Club of Marietta and the Lions Club.

The Kiwanis Club operated a pumpkin-making station, and the Marietta Community Foundation distributed free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Little Caesars was one of the event’s main sponsors and set up a candy distribution station.

Penelope Conde of Marietta plays the game of Flip the Frog during Halloween Saturday at the park at the Washington County Fairgrounds. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

The event began as Halloween on the Levee and grew into Halloween at Muskingum Park. It was finally moved to the fairgrounds six years ago to use an indoor facility in case of bad weather, Grimes said.

“It’s really a community thing.” she said. “Everyone is jumping in and helping.

“It’s all about the kids and having fun.”

An MOV Trunk or Treat event followed at the fairgrounds, with organizer Cassandra Erb reporting that more than 600 children attended the event and there were about 20 candy stations set up. In past years they have had 30-45 stations, depending on the availability of different groups, since some of those who traditionally came were unable to come this year.

In recent years, Erb said, not many people have been participating in traditional local trick-or-treating events, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic: In many cities, only a few houses on each block are handing out candy.

Pamela Morrow of Marietta was among the people and organizations handing out candy during trunk or treat Saturday at the MOV Trunk or Treat store at the Washington County Fairgrounds. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“Children have to walk for a long time when no one hands out anything,” she said. “The kids get bored and are done with it.”

The event was started in 2020 during the pandemic so that children could still have the opportunity to trick or treat while many social distancing measures were in place. She worked with health officials and set up hand sanitizer stations to help protect people.

It has now become an event where families can bring their children to one place where safety can be ensured and where people hand out candy, where groups can hang Halloween decorations and where everyone can still have fun.

“It’s more of a safe area for kids to trick or treat.” – said Erb.

She worked with the Washington County Fair Board to use the fairground space to create an event with a community theme. She also uses food vendors and they don’t charge anything for installation.

Area children attended a Trunk or Treat event during Saturday’s MOV Trunk or Treat event at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Participants are decorated for Halloween. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

A number of businesses and organizations are also participating, including Walmart, Little Caesars and others. This year, stations Paranormal Trinity of Vincent (paranormal investigations), COAD4Kids (adoption and foster care), Integrated Services for Behavioral Health and Path Behavioral Healthcare also had stations.

“There are definitely companies that are getting involved and want to help.” – said Erb.

She hopes the families who came out had fun together.

“I hope they have had some fun seeing the kids in costume and are willing to take care of them.” – said Erb. “Every year we attract more and more people. I am for the safety of children. I want kids to have fun in a safe way.

“We’ll definitely do it again next year.”

Tyson Bush of Athens County picks out candy during the 37th annual Halloween in the Park Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The event included sweets, games and entertainment for children and their families. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Penelope Conde of Marietta was with family and was able to receive treats.

“I wanted to get some candy” said the young girl. “I like being around people.

“I have a lot of friends.”

“She’s a very outgoing person” said grandmother Heidi McKittrick.

“I think it’s great for the community and for everyone to be on the same page.” McKittrick said. “It was great to see such a good turnout.”

Kali Henry of Parkersburg, who brought her daughter Aria, said an event like this is a chance to get the kids out and enjoy the holiday.

“I like the games and the setup” – said Henry. “It’s definitely a plus for trick-or-treating.”

Kathy Wetz of Marietta brought her grandson, Tyson Busch of Athens, and was excited about the event.

“I’m definitely worried about kids not going outside anymore.” she said. “I thought it was safer. It’s a great, great idea, it really is.

“You know they’re safe, you see people and you know some of them, so you’re more confident to do it again.”

Serena Green of Marietta was among those handing out candy during the trunk-or-treat event. She was dressed as Maleficent.

She said that she has been participating in this event for five years.

“I love giving candy to people.” – said Green. “This is a tradition.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for people to go out far and go home. Everything is in one place here.”

She appreciated the games, the availability of a variety of foods, and the ability to do it all in a safe environment that children and their families will enjoy.

“It’s good that you don’t have to walk block after block.” – said Green. “You’re just walking in circles here.”

She said she gives out about $600 worth of candy.

“It’s just something I like to do every year.” – said Green. “It really is a tradition.”

Brett Dunlap can be reached at [email protected].

Aria Henry of Parkersburg plays the game Saturday at the 37th annual Halloween in the Park Saturday at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Halloween in the Park is intended for youth 16 and under and is an alternative to trick-or-treating. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)