For the second year, the Luther Parks Commission is organizing a “Trunk or Treat” event. Local businesses, some who put in money for the event, will set up Downtown with their “trunks” ready with candy for costumed children. It will be on Main Street plus around the corner on Second to Ash. Luther families are invited to get a stamp on a “passport” to get prizes.
Town officials say that 400 persons enjoyed the Main Street Event in 2017.
When the Town and Parks Commission announced this for October 27, there was a small firestorm of protest about not having the event on actual October 31. So, earlier this week, the Town Board, without comment, voted to have the Community Event still on October 27, and also traditional (neighborhood) Trick or Treating on actual Halloween, October 31.
The firestorm continued, with some folks saying it was “ridiculous,” and they wouldn’t participate in any of the Luther festivities for Halloween.
The social media exchanges prompted Mayor Jenni White to respond:
I have to say that all this discord over Halloween is frustrating. When my kids were little, we took them to the zoo, through the neighborhood, and then to trunk or treat at church, regularly – over different days the week before Halloween. The town Parks Commission is made up of VOLUNTEERS who are simply – along with the Town Board – trying to make MORE opportunities for the community to come together and HAVE FUN – that’s really all there is to it. This isn’t paid for with your tax dollars (town funds) – businesses who serve this community also stepped up to help provide something fun for Luther families. Please remember that the Parks Commission schedule is approved by the Town Board at a regular meeting. The dates for the Halloween activity were discussed last November. The time to have made comments – for or against – was last November at the Board meeting where public comments are ALWAYS welcomed and heard. There are ample ways to be informed about agenda items – on the Town Facebook page, on mine and other Board members, through email, on the website – so anyone can be informed and attend a meeting. I think, above all, it is not helpful for Commission members or Town Board members who volunteer their time trying to do nice – not hurtful – things for the Town, to see so many negative comments. Everyone has a right to their own opinion but you also have an opportunity to voice them at Parks and Town meetings. Again, I’m so sorry that our efforts have proven upsetting for so many. They were meant to be anything but. Happy Halloween 👻🎃”
Back to the Town Event on October 27, the trunk or treat event begins at 5 pm and the movie begins at 7 pm.the evening will be topped off with a movie on Main Street in “Veterans Park,” between the Masonic Building and Allan Booher’s office on Main Street. Opus Entertainment is making the movie happen with copyright fees, projectors and sound. Movie watchers should bring chairs or blankets.
Town officials say 400 persons attended a similar event last year.
A sponsor list, to date, of businesses sponsoring Trunk or Treat includes:
Apple Creek Daycare
Beth’s Baubles & Bits
Brew 66
Boydston-Bailey Funeral Home
Broken Horn Ranch
DJ’s BBQ
Josephine’s Cafe
Luther Insurance Agency
Luther Hardware
Luther Mill & Farm Supply
Jarvis Liquor Well
116 Farmstead Market & Table
Our Town Eatery
Luther Community Service Center
Rustic Farm
S&H Mercantile
Sonic
The Chicken Shack
Urban Sixty-Six
We will be there.