By COLLIN BREAUXA regular Halloween tradition in Chipley will occur at Jim Trawick Park, 1544 North Railroad Avenue, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4:30-6 p.m.
The event is Chipley’s 19th annual trunk-or-treat. Kids can come out to receive candy.
“The trick or treaters will come in and walk to the different vendors,†event coordinator Sherri Biddle said. “It’s a safe way to trick or treat, in my opinion.â€
Biddle has been helping with behind-the-scenes organizing for the event since the duration. Her involvement started when she worked with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Tommy McDonald, the mayor then, was thinking of ways to give back to the community.
“He saw the need to keep the kids safe,†Biddle said.
The event has had several locations over the years due to either gradually outgrowing a previous venue or having safety issues with children walking into the street. The trunk-or-treat ended up at the current location of the soccer field in 2012.
Police will also be on hand to keep an eye out, along with EMTs and Smokey the Bear.
“Each year after Tommy died, I would go to the police department and get their support,†Biddle said.
She also regularly secures permission from the City of Chipley. The event is intended to happen before it gets dark outside so kids stay safe, Biddle said.
The age range for trick or treaters is generally newborns to 12 years old.
“I couldn’t do it without the community support,†Biddle said. “It’s always something I’ve tried to continue on through the years. The smiles on the kids’ faces when they go through the lines are worth the effort.â€