Milligan Trunk or Treat made quite an impression on first time attendees. Among these first-time trick or treaters was Captain America who simply commented, “Awesome!” He was so excited by the event he could not even choose a favorite trunk, but he did make sure to tell me that he enjoyed getting to meet Spiderman.
Super heroes were only one of the sixteen trunks decorated by Milligan students. The canyon parking lot was filled with the whimsy of Disney themes such as Princesses and Princes, Monsters Inc. and Winnie-the-Pooh. Many Milligan students went with popular movie themes like Napoleon Dynamite and “Milligan Park.”
The Milligan College Science Club won the Trunk Decorating/Costume Contest with their aforementioned adaptation of Jurassic Park, “Milligan Park.” The group had plenty of dinosaurs to go around as well as photo props. The theme was complete with the scientist who began it all, played by Keila Triviño who informed me that the whole set up was DIY.
There was plenty to enjoy for animal lovers as well. Cowgirls and Indians had a miniature pony for children to pet and take pictures with, and the superhero trunk brought superman’s best friend. Themes such as safari and animal hospital also incorporated animals into their decoration and costumes. Other childhood favorites included Scooby Doo, m&ms, enchanted forest and, of course, superheroes.
Some Milligan students themed their trunks to champion a cause. Amy Shumaker, Madison Jerominek, and others teamed up to represent women in the workforce with their DC female superhero trunk. There was also a trunk filled with allergy sensitive treats for children often left out on Halloween.
“We are having the time of our life,” said a grandfather bringing his grandchild for the first time. He said that he enjoyed the social aspect and the community of the event, and he was happy that his grandchild was able to see the pony. Several parents said it was their first-time trunk or treating at Milligan and that they planned to return next year.
Milligan students also enjoyed working the event. There were several returning groups, and several freshmen groups that plan to participate again next year.
Returning students estimate there were anywhere from a little less to about the same amount of trick or treaters as there were last year. There was a steady flow of trick or treaters from six o’clock to seven o’clock, but by seven thirty most children had already left, and no children were lining up.
One returning participant commented that the change of venue from the Faculty Office Building to the Canyon Parking Lot might have made it look like there were less kids just because there was much more space, but there was also candy leftover. Two years ago, the event actually ran out of candy and had to buy more during the event, but according to Julie Deacons who helped run the event, Milligan College L.I.N.C spent $600 on candy this year and about half way through the event she expected to have leftovers.