The end of October is here, which means trunk-or-treat festivities kick off this Halloween weekend in Bremen, offering free food, games, goodies and a host of other activities for the community in an atmosphere just as festive as the costumes showcased for customary door-to-door trick-or-treat visits in the neighborhood.

Every year, various churches in the community throw their very own trunk-or-treat event, giving children a chance to wear costumes and stop by decorated trunks throughout the parking lot to collect candy and other treats. In addition to offering a fun-filled event on-site, organizers say it also makes for a safer alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating.

First Baptist Church member Lisa Miles said she is excited to share the news about their decision to host the event, which will feature a Saintly Treat House in the parking lot, as well as “a fire, hot dogs, fellowship, goodies and more.”

“We will be adding an inflatable, popcorn, and cotton candy, and of course, decorated trunks,” she said.

She noted that volunteers may incorporate a game for children to play in order to win the candy filling their trunks. Adults may also win rewards at the event if they win the “Best Decorated Car” competition, which is also available for younger participants.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Development Authority will also offer a slew of activities this weekend. Better Hometown Manager Neile Chambers noted the DDA’s effort will feature four age-specific Halloween costume contests with prizes and games for kids to play on from the fountain to City Hall on Tallapoosa Street.

She noted the event will also serve as a marketing tool for businesses in the downtown area “to draw in parents and offer them discounts at that time, or coupons to shop and save at a later date.”

“In order to help the merchants, the DDA will distribute a bag of candy to each participating merchant to try out and hopefully stimulate their business,” she said.

First United Methodist Church of Bremen also recently had their own Trunk or Treat last Sunday, which is set each year for the weekend before Halloween. Their event featured a haunted house, games, hot dogs and snacks. And, of course, the kids were dressed in costumes and visited decorated trunks to collect treats.

The Downtown Development Authority’s Trunk or Treat activities will be held Friday, Oct. 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Activities at First Baptist Church of Bremen follow Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.