Alice Lloyd College Moves Trunk or Treat Indoors, Keeps Community Safe

Rain forced a last minute change to the setting, but not the spirit, of Alice Lloyd College's annual Trunk or Treat in Pippa Passes. The event was held Thursday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Perry Campus Center and was open to the public, with campus departments, clubs and organizations handing out treats to families and neighborhood children.

Organizers said moving the festivities inside allowed the college to keep the event on its two hour schedule while maintaining a safe, dry environment for attendees. The college's decision reflected a common logistical trade off for small community events when weather intervenes, prioritizing continuity and accessibility for residents who depend on campus programming for seasonal celebrations.

Student involvement was prominent. Work study students and student organizations staffed decorated vehicles and tables, creating a festive atmosphere despite the change of venue. Gannon Brown, a work study student in the college marketing department, described the campus energy during the event. “It’s always fun to see everybody dressing up. Everybody is smiling and laughing in their costumes. Seeing all the cool costumes that all the other departments make,” Brown said. He said the marketing team dressed as characters from the Super Mario Brothers.

The event serves several purposes for Perry County beyond holiday fun. As an annual tradition it reinforces ties between the college and the wider community by offering a low cost, low barrier activity for families. For students, work study positions provide employment and hands on experience in event planning and outreach. For local parents, the campus center format offers a controlled environment that can be easier to navigate than street level trick or treating, particularly when weather is poor.

Community events hosted by educational institutions often act as social multipliers, drawing neighbors onto campus and supporting small scale spending at local businesses before and after gatherings. While attendance figures were not released, the college reported that multiple departments and student groups participated, a sign of broad campus engagement that can translate into stronger town and gown relations over time.

Alice Lloyd College's swift adjustment to conditions highlights the role of local institutions in sustaining community rituals. By keeping the Trunk or Treat event public and on schedule, the college preserved an annual gathering that families expect, maintained student employment opportunities, and ensured that Perry County residents could celebrate safely despite inclement weather.