The annual Trunk or Treat was canceled last year amongst the pandemic, but will be returning this year on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the front parking lot of the school. Student Council is hosting it this year, and other clubs and organizations will also be present.

Trunk or Treat is an event where kids in the community can come in their costumes, play games, win prizes and eat candy.

“As we move into the Halloween season while slowly moving out of the pandemic season, I want to make sure that special traditions like Trunk or Treat are maintained for the next generation,” Administrative Director of Student Council and senior Nicholas Song said. “When I was younger, Trunk or Treat was a day of joy and celebration.”

There are still COVID-19 restrictions in place, however, as masks are recommended, sanitization stations are present and social distancing will be practiced.

“We will follow district rules to keep this event a running success and to ensure that this Trunk or Treat is as enjoyable as past years,” Song said. “Not only will they have the fun that I have experienced, but I hope to show the examples of how to lead the community as well.”

Despite concerns of lesser participation, such as kids who are compromised for safety reasons, Student Council said it believes it is more important now to do these events than ever.

“Due to COVID-19, there will probably be a smaller turnout than we have seen in years prior,” Senior Class President Slava Andrianov said. “It is especially important to have it this year so we can begin moving toward a sense of normalcy and bring our community together after a year of having very few events.”

According to Student Council President Riley Pritzlaff, this event is a way to build the relationship between high schoolers and elementary school students.

“It’s really great being out in the community obviously with all the clubs there, it’s really great seeing everyone,” Pritzlaff said. “It’s also a lot of fun getting to interact with the kids.”

Pritzlaff estimates couple dozen clubs and organizations will attend the Trunk or Treat event. One organization that will attend is PALs, and they have several different games such as cakewalk, pie-a-pal and water cup pong.

“Trunk or Treat means to me some of the most fun memories, experiences, sights, sounds and smells of fall time,” PALs teacher Jared Lippe said. “It is the greatest fall carnival and a great opportunity and for our high school campus to open up our doors and provide a fun experience.”

Trunk or Treat can only happen if certain rules and procedures are followed to promote and uphold safe health, which means some booths seen in the past will be retired.

“I know everyone is so excited to be able to have this event once again and to do it safely,” Lippe said. “I think some events that have happened in the past we will have to be cautious about, I definitely don’t think there will be any bobbing for apples this year, but I still think everything can be done safely this year.”

Despite the challenges that Trunk or Treat has faced in the past, it is worth it to have it this year, as the events aren’t just good just for the kids, but also for the high schoolers hosting the events, according to Pritzlaff.

“I love to see the smile on those kids’ faces, and it’s just a really great feeling,” Pritzlaff said. “Interacting with the community is just really good for the school as well as it’s good for the community itself.”