By Angie Mozqueda Prevention Specialist
Halloween in Roundup was an unforgettable experience! This small community showcased a wealth of BIG ideas, creating a delightful evening for families and children. The annual Halloween parade, held at 5:30 PM on Main Street, was a resounding success. Kids and parents alike had a blast marching in their costumes, ending the parade with free hot dogs provided by the Optimist Club.
Once everyone enjoyed some treats at the Catholic Church parking lot, it was time to head up the
hill to the Roundup High School parking lot. A bustling line quickly formed as families eagerly awaited a fun-filled trunk-or-treat experience featuring decorated vehicles ready to hand out candy.
As in previous years, dedicated teachers and community members set up booths, while the Youth Cares team, School Resource Officer (SRO, pictured above), and Prevention Specialist (myself, Angie Mozqueda) welcomed attendees with an engaging interactive booth. This year's theme revolved around a mock slot machine, accompanied by the message, "Don't Gamble your Life
Away..." focusing on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. They even transformed a truck bed into a graveyard scene, proudly displaying the sign, "Hocus Pocus, drugs aren't our focus."
Deputy Gatlin also participated with his; "Be Safe, Be Seen, Happy Halloween" table, distributing glow bracelets, foam glow sticks, and spooky eyeball suckers.
The trunk-or-treat event kicked off at 5:30, and from as early as 5:15, a steady line formed as kids lined up to try their luck at the mock slot machine. The interactive game cleverly incorporated rock-paper-scissors elements, with different combinations yielding varying prizes. The youngsters seemed more excited about the activity rather than the prizes, much to the delight of their parents, who praised the Youth Cares team for their creativity and initiative.
Following the booth, attendees had the chance to meet our approachable SRO, who interacted warmly with everyone. In addition, the Jody Alise Foundation and Youth Cares team donated a $50 Amazon gift card for the best-decorated trunk. The Winner of the gift card this year was: The Willis family (pictured above) who went all out, impressively incorporating sound effects, fog, and a moving display into their setup. Kudos to them for their fantastic effort!
Traditionally, the end of the line featured two tables filled with homemade cookies, cornbread muffins, and about five crockpots of FREE CHILI for everyone! HUGE gratitude and thanks go out to Mrs. Engstrom and her students for preparing various types of chili for the community. Mrs.Engstrom also had a wonderful idea to line the road leading up to the trunk or treat with milk cartons glowing with glow sticks. Mrs. Bedford and Mrs. Lesnik were also in attendance decorating their trunks, handing out candy, and interacting with all who came out!
The success of the eventwas evident, with each passing year drawing even larger crowds and enthusiasm. We can't wait to see what creative interactive booth the Youth Cares team will come up with next year!
I made my way up to Roundup Memorial to check on their event but unfortunately missed it. However, I had the chance to chat with some residents and activities director Judy Puckett in the lobby who shared that this was likely the largest turnout of kids and families they've ever seen.
They excitedly recounted some of the fun and spooky costumes they had spotted. The residents truly appreciated all the visitors and are already looking forward to next year's festivities.
Next year the community is encouraged to come out and set up their trunk at the trunk or treat. Not just for the gift card but for the positive interactions you will have with the kids, parents and community.
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