Trunk or Treating comes to Westmeath
Westmeath's first Trunk or Treat event is taking place in The Downs this Halloween.
An idea imported from the US, the idea is simple - participants bring their cars to The Downs GAA Grounds on October 31 and decorate their car boots (trunks) with scary surprises and treats for the trick or treaters.
The event begins at 4pm (gates open at 3pm), while at 6pm there will be movies on two screens, one for four-12-year-olds and another for 13-15-year-olds.
A unique experience where the children can enjoy trick or treating from car to car in a safe environment, there will be prizes for the best costumes as well as a special prize of a car valet for the spookiest car trunk on the night.
There will also be raffle prizes on the evening as well a best carved pumpkin competition.
The organisers of the event, haven't forgotten about the adults and will be offering tea and coffee and treats.
The Bosca Bia n Ghra food trunk will be there for anyone looking for something more substantial.
The event is one of the first fundraisers organised by a new committee established in The Downs. One of their first projects is a new community playground.
Committee chair Carley Kelly says that the playground will provide a new “focal point” for the close knit community in The Downs.
"The key aim of this project is to create a community area that will cater for the play and recreational needs using a multi-generational approach that will enhance the community of The Downs and provide a beautiful focal point for our community.
“The playground plan will cater for all children up to the age of 14 years, which will provide opportunities for children to practice a range of social, emotional, physical and mental skills. The playground will be inclusive and support integration and play for all children within our community.
“The seating area will provide areas for parents and guardians to socialise and meet up, thereby enhancing our community spirit. This will be supported by soft planting that will encourage biodiversity in the area.
“The outdoor gym is targeted at all adults in the area. Particular emphasis will be to entice and support r community members to use and engage in activities that will help promote inclusion and positive mental health and prevent social isolation.”
Tickets for Trunk or Treat are on sale now for €20 per family through the Facebook and Instagram page @thedownstrunkortreat or through WhatsApp 0866004993.