Second annual Trunk or Treat held at Warwick Valley High School

WARWICK — The spirit of Halloween continued beyond the traditional parade down Main Street as many of the same ghosts, goblins, witches, assortment of movie, cartoon and even new creative characters assembled Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Warwick Valley High School parking lot for the second annual "Trunk or Treat."

Last year the Village of Warwick Recreation Department and Warwick Lions sponsored the same event as a substitute for the Main Street parade, which had been canceled when the devastating superstorm Sandy struck the area on Oct. 29 causing numerous local power outages and downed trees.

Since Halloween fell only one day after Sandy hammered the East Coast, officials decided to cancel the parade. The power outages also kept children from going door to door to collect treats.

Instead, people were asked to drive to the middle school parking lot on the following Saturday with their automobile trunks decorated and filled with treats.

The costumed children then made the rounds of all the parked cars just as they would have visited homes on Halloween.

The substitute event was such a huge success that it will most likely continue as an annual event.

This year, in anticipation of a bigger turnout, the second annual Trunk or Treat was moved to the larger parking area behind the high school.

Warwick ShopRite was on hand with free apple cider, bottled water and donuts.

DJ Rich Pelligrino, who also happens to be a teacher, provided musical entertainment and encouraged the children and adults to try a few "old fashion" dances like the twist.

After making the rounds, everyone participated in best costume contests ranging from most creative to scariest.

And there were prizes for all.
The event was organized by Claire Gabelmann and the judges were Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit, Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Mayor Michael Newhard.

- Roger Gavan