Organizers happy with how Trunk N Treat went

Organizers of the Second Annual Public Safety Trunk N Treat believe about 5,500 trick-or-treaters packed the St. Francois County Fairgrounds Thursday night.

The event was sponsored by IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) Local 3705 St. Francois County Emergency Services in cooperation with the St. Francois County Ambulance District. Almost all of the local fire and police agencies participated by giving out treats. 

Organizer Terry Leach said they couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. He said they had an overabundance of canned food items and coats collected. 

Trick-or-treaters weren’t the only ones gathering food items for the night. Air Evac and Arch had a contest to see who could collect the most goods. Air Evac won.

Mineral Area Regional Medical Center day and night shift staff also had a contest to see who could collect the most. Day shift staff won. 

All the items will be distributed within the next couple of weeks. 

Leach believes about 25 groups gave out treats. Most gave out candy. One gave out hot chocolate. Another gave out plastic fire helmets. Goose Creek Fire Department made and gave out cotton candy. 

Leach wants to thank all the businesses, agencies and the community for their support. 

“We hope to do it again next year,” he said.

Besides candy, there were also visits by Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles who stopped a “thief” from stealing candy, and other super heroes. The event also offered children and pet costume contests and Monster trucks. 

Whether scary, furry or royal, all were invited to the Second Annual Public Safety Trunk N Treat at the fairgrounds. About 5,000 turned out. Many came armed with jackets and umbrellas.