Trunks full of treats headed to downtown LaFayette
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Downtown LaFayette will once again fill with children in costumes and decorated vehicles later this month as LaFayette Main Street hosts its annual Trunk-or-Treat celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29.
The free community event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Alabama Avenue East and 1st Street Southeast. Local businesses, churches, civic organizations and residents are invited to take part by decorating vehicle trunks and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
“Our motivation is to bring people together and create a welcoming, family-friendly experience,” LaFayette Main Street Executive Director DeAnna Hand said. “Trunk-or-Treat has become an annual downtown tradition that our community looks forward to. It gives businesses, churches, organizations and neighbors an opportunity to help create something special for our children.”
The gathering has grown into a major seasonal draw for the downtown district. Last year, the event featured more than 60 decorated trunks and drew more than 300 children. LaFayette Main Street is actively confirming participants for this year’s lineup.
For Hand, the celebration ties directly into the organization’s larger push to revitalize LaFayette’s historic downtown.
“Downtown revitalization is about both our buildings and the people who bring them to life,” Hand said. “Events like this introduce families to downtown businesses, encourage people to explore and build connections. When people have positive experiences downtown, they have more reasons to return, shop locally and take pride in our community.”
LaFayette Main Street is also encouraging downtown merchants to take advantage of the foot traffic by staying open late or offering specials during event hours. Individual business hours and promotions will be shared as they are finalized.
Beyond collecting treats, attendees are encouraged to explore downtown and take in the creative displays.
“The decorated trunks and creative costumes are a big part of the fun,” Hand said. “Families can enjoy walking through downtown, visiting with neighbors and seeing the creativity of our participants.”
To ensure pedestrian safety, organizers have requested street closures in the area starting at 4:30 p.m. to allow vehicle participants time to set up. Hand advised drivers traveling near downtown to stay alert for children, follow posted detours and exercise caution. Families are also reminded to keep children close while walking through the area. Volunteers will assist with street cleanup immediately following the festivities.
“Seeing downtown filled with children, families and neighbors enjoying themselves is my favorite part,” Hand said. “I love watching our businesses, churches and volunteers come together to make those moments possible. The smiles, conversations and sense of belonging remind us why this work matters.”
Participation is open to all community members, whether hosting a trunk or attending with family.
“Trunk-or-Treat is free, and everyone is welcome,” Hand said. “We are grateful to every participant and volunteer who gives their time, candy and creativity to make it possible. Whether you bring a trunk or bring your family, you are helping build a downtown tradition that our children can grow up remembering.”
Businesses, civic clubs, churches and individuals interested in hosting a trunk or donating candy can contact LaFayette Main Street at (334) 787-4557 for more information and to sign up.
