Hundreds of people prepare to hand out candy for Jeep or Treat in Dunedin

DUNEDIN, FL. An annual Halloween tradition returns to Dunedin on Wednesday, October 30, and it’s all centered around the jeep driving community.

Many of these drivers damaged their homes during Hurricanes Helen and Milton, but they said there was no way they were going to cancel their favorite night of the year.

“When you buy a Jeep, you’re not just buying a Jeep, you’re buying a family,” said Gard Ryan. “The Jeep community is huge all over the world.”

Seven years ago, Ryan founded the community group Jeeps of Pinellas County. The Teamsters said their first priority was to organize an event where they could help children and families.

“Everyone wants to do trunk or treat, but a Jeep doesn’t have a trunk, so what about Jeep or Treat?” – said Ryan. “That’s where the idea came from.”

There used to be around 300 decorated jeeps at the event, each filled with candy. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 1,000 families trick-or-treating.

“At a time when everyone has lost everything, they can bring their children here and fill them up,” Ryan said.

Every Jeep owner loves to add their own personal touch to their jewelry, like Julie Foster.

“My Jeep is named after Toothless the Night Fury from How to Train Your Dragon, and it’s all about the dragons,” Foster said.

Jeep owner Jay Chaler encourages trick-or-treaters to walk around the entire vehicle – you never know what you’ll see in the window or on the spare tire.

“Seeing all the people having fun, really seeing the kids smile and seeing the joy, that’s the best part of the event,” Shaler said. “That’s why we do all this.”

Pinellas County Jeeps is also asking families to bring non-perishable items that will be donated to local nonprofit Harriet’s Pantry.

Jeep or Trick runs from 4pm until sunset on Wednesday 30 October on the Dunedin Causeway.

“You get in free and leave with more candy than you ever imagined,” Shaler said. “Come and enjoy.”