Trunk or Treat kicks off holiday season in Delta Junction

Friday night’s Trunk or Treat at Delta Elementary School unofficially kicked off the holiday season in the Delta/Greely area. The event, held from 4:30 to 6 p.m., drew a sizable crowd to the elementary school parking lot. The predicted winds never materialized, and a nearly full Wolf Moon rose in the evening sky, providing a fitting backdrop for the festivities.

Creative decorations and costumed characters were everywhere. One farming couple arrived with a pumpkin and straw-bale display, while another participant dismantled her own porch decorations to bring an elaborate artistic display to the event. Delta High School’s fledgling medical students looked as though they might be ready to draw blood, but instead handed out treats to the eager trick-or-treaters.

The Alaska State Troopers, Delta Junction Volunteer Fire Department, First Student, and the 49th Missile Defense Battalion were among those ready to welcome the ghosts, goblins, Thing 1s and Thing 2s, handing out candy and joining in the fun.

For those looking for something more substantial than sweets, the Delta High School Europe Trip group served chili cheese dogs. The group dished up nearly 100 hot dogs and drinks before wrapping up at 6 p.m.

Trunk or Treat events began gaining popularity in the 1990s as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, although the two activities often take place alongside one another. Participants distribute candy from the trunks of their vehicles, giving the event its name. Costumes remain a central part of the tradition, while friendly competition among participants has encouraged increasingly elaborate vehicle decorations and creative displays.

Delta Elementary School introduced the tradition to the local area four years ago. Since then, the event has become a seasonal favorite, with only one cancellation because of high winds.

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