Though Halloween can be looked down upon within a Christian community, there were events offered in the Orange City area that provided an opportunity for kids, community members and college students to have safe, light-hearted fun during this fall season.
Multiple churches in the area held trunk or treat events, including Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City. There were dozens of theme-decorated vehicles throughout the parking lot with groups in coordinating costumes. Children could go from trunk to trunk to receive candy, and some trunks even offered mini games or activities for kids to participate in. Throughout the evening, those in attendance could vote for which group had the best trunk and costumes.
Several Northwestern students took part in the event. The women’s tennis team, women’s soccer team and Hospers Hall all hosted trunks. “The soccer team created a little game where the kids could kick a ball into a small goal to get a piece of candy,” explained women’s soccer player, Grace Dahl, “Everyone was so excited and it was fun to see everyone dressed up, including some of the parents!”
Another way in which NW students were able to connect with community members and have some fun was through the tradition of Hallway Halloween. NW faculty and staff were invited to bring their children through Fern Smith Hall and Stegenga Hall for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
“It was really fun seeing the kids come through with their parents,” said Fern resident director, Natalie Wheeler, “One of the RAs dressed up as Anna from the movie ‘Frozen,’ and several of the little girls that came through were super excited to meet one of their favorite princesses.”
For college students, this time of year tends to be filled with tests and loads of projects. Along with making community connections, this event offered an opportunity for students to take a step back from the stress and enjoy Halloween like they did when they were little.
“Not only is it a good break from the norm of college life,” stated Fern resident assistant Ella VanZee. “It’s also convenient for community kids to find role models within their own community. It also provides a place for them to get out of the cold!”
Though many Halloween activities can be spooky and fairly scary in nature, the Halloween activities in small-town Orange City foster a sense of community between college students, children and adults alike. So, even though this may be considered “spooky season,” there is always a fun event right around the corner to lift people’s spirits.
