Cliffs plans its annual Halloween candy fun
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on October 20, 2013 1:50 AM
Grab your costume and head out to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park for trunk or treating.
It will be held Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the lake parking lot.
"We'll have different people set up, and they'll have the trunks of their vehicles open," said park ranger Crystal Lloyd. "The cars will be decorated, and some of the people will be in costume. Everything will be family-friendly and kid-friendly as far as costumes."
Children will go from car to car trick-or-treating for candy.
Anyone who wants to hand out candy during trunk-or-treating should call the Cliffs at 919-778-6234 by Wednesday to sign up.
"We ask that they keep all their candy in the bag they bought it in from the store," Lloyd said.
The park will send staff around to inspect all the candy before it's handed out that night to the children to make sure it's OK.
"When you come that night, we have a whole check-in process we'll go through with you so we know who's there," Lloyd said.
"Anyone can come tric-or-treating. Kids and parents are encouraged to dress up."
While trunk-or-treating is going on, there will be other activities for trunk-or-treaters, including cornhole, and other games and fall-themed activities.
The concession stand will be open at 6:30 p.m., selling hot dogs and other items.
Trunk-or-treating will be in the lake parking lot. Park staff will be at the entrance to direct traffic.
The rest of the park will be open for normal activities, Lloyd said.
Then at 7:45 p.m., there will be a movie by the lake, "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Sodas, water, popcorn, hot chocolate and apple cider will be sold or you can take your own snacks and drinks, but no glass bottles.
Last year, the Cliffs had around 12 to 15 cars giving out candy, Lloyd said.
"We had anywhere from 800 to 1,000 people coming out to trunk or treat," she said. "If we could get that many this year, it would be fantastic."
Those handing out candy should plan on taking lots of candy for the many trunk or treaters who will be coming for treats.
"We do this because it's come to be expected here in this area," Lloyd said. "The community expects (us) to do something for Halloween.
"It's a good way for us to get everybody involved. We want to let people know that they can enjoy the park not only in the summer, but in the different seasons as well. This is a good way for us to give back and have everybody come out and have a good night."
In past years, the Cliffs has also done a haunted hayride. But due to a staff shortage, that won't happen this year.
"Next year, hopefully we'll be back with the full Halloween event," Lloyd said.