Churches offer alternative Halloween activities

Halloween trends in costumes and parties come and go.

Trunk-and-treat events and fall festivals sponsored by area churches, however, are gaining momentum and popularity. Families facing difficult economic times say they welcome the free Halloween-alternative events.

For trunk and treat, the congregation distributes candy and other treats from the trunks of their cars positioned in church parking lots as ghosts and goblins parade past. Fall festivals focus on the season.

Halloween has evolved from a child-oriented occasion with homemade costumes and trick or treating for candy to a holiday where many adults enjoy elaborate parties, haunted houses and horror film festivals.

As society has changed, communities have adjusted and limited trick-or-treat hours. Safety of children is a prime factor.

Churches have responded by offering family-oriented events in a safe environment.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.