Trunk-or-Treat in Gainesville will be Halloween night

Ozark County’s annual Trunk-or-Treat event, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, on the Gainesville square. The event, hosted by the Ozark County Chamber of Commerce, is free, and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. 

Children and adolescents in costume can visit vehicles parked on the square to receive candy or other treats. Those receiving candy should bring their own bag or bucket to be filled with Halloween goodies. 

Residents wishing to pass out items can park around the inner and outer edges of the square before 5:30 p.m. and bring candy, toys or other treats to hand out from a decorated car trunk, table or other Halloween display area near the vehicle. 

The event is always held on Halloween night, no matter what day of the week that falls on. Some residents have wondered if it should be moved this year due to Halloween falling on a Sunday when church services are held, but organizers say the schedule will remain the same.  

“Trunk or Treat’s purpose is to give kids a safe place to trick or treat. The amount of people attending has grown every year since I’ve been involved,” said chamber board member Douglas Hawkins. “It’s been amazing to watch it grow and see so many people and businesses show up to give candy to kids who are excited to be there. With that said, Trunk or Treat is on Halloween for the purpose of being that safe place for kids.”

Free parking is available at the Gainesville Saddle Club Grounds and at the former Klayman dentist office on Main Street.