Get ready for a spooktacular evening in El Dorado Hills, California, as the annual Trunk or Treat and Scarecrow Contest rolls into town on Friday, October 25. This ghoulishly fun event is a must-visit attraction in our Halloween Guide 2024, promising a night of tricks, treats, and terrific memories for the whole family.
Trunk or Treat: A Candy-Coated Car Carnival
Picture this: a parking lot transformed into a Halloween wonderland, with cars decked out in their spookiest best. That’s the magic of Trunk or Treat! From 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the El Dorado Hills CSD Parking Lot at 1021 Harvard Way becomes the hotspot for little monsters, princesses, and superheroes to collect their sugary loot.
Why Trunk or Treat?
Let’s face it: traditional trick-or-treating can be a bit of a workout. Trunk or Treat brings all the candy-collecting fun to one convenient location. It’s like a Halloween buffet for your trick-or-treat bag! Plus, it’s safer than roaming dark streets, and parents can join in on the fun, too.
Decked-Out Cars and Costumed Chaos
Expect to see some seriously creative car decorations. From spooky graveyards to candy castles, these trunks go all out. And let’s not forget about the costumes! It’s the perfect chance to show off those DIY masterpieces or store-bought wonders. Who knows, you might even spot a family of dinosaurs handing out Reese’s Pieces!
Scarecrow Contest: Straw-Stuffed Showdown
While the little ones are filling their bags with treats, don’t miss the Scarecrow Contest. It’s not just about scaring crows anymore – these straw-filled creations are works of art!
Who Can Enter?
Everyone! Whether you’re a solo scarecrow artist, a family of fright-night enthusiasts, or a local business looking to show off your creative side, this contest is for you. Applications are usually accepted until mid-October, so there’s plenty of time to brainstorm your best burlap buddy.
Judging the Jittery Joes
Scarecrows will be judged on creativity, originality, and overall design. Will your creation be classically creepy or hilariously hair-raising? The choice is yours! Just remember, these scarecrows need to be family-friendly – save the really scary stuff for your home haunt.
Tips for a Terrific Time
- Arrive Early: The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m., and you don’t want to miss a minute of the fun.
- Bring a Big Bag: With all those trunks handing out treats, you’ll need somewhere to stash your candy haul.
- Wear Comfy Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot from trunk to trunk.
- Don’t Forget Your Camera: With all the creative costumes and decorated cars, you’ll want to capture the memories.
- Be Prepared for Weather: October evenings can be chilly, so layer up under those costumes.
More Than Just Candy and Scarecrows
While Trunk or Treat and the Scarecrow Contest are the stars of the show, there’s usually more going on at this community event. Keep an eye out for:
- Face painting stations
- Halloween-themed games
- Photo opportunities with spooky backdrops
- Local food vendors (because even monsters need a snack break)
A Community Coming Together
What makes this event truly special is how it brings the El Dorado Hills community together. It’s a chance for neighbors to meet, for kids to show off their costumes to a bigger audience, and for everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween celebration.
Local businesses often get involved too, either by setting up a trunk or sponsoring part of the event. It’s a great way to support the community and get into the Halloween spirit at the same time.
Why You Can’t Miss This Event
The Trunk or Treat and Scarecrow Contest isn’t just another Halloween event – it’s a community tradition that gets bigger and better every year. It’s the perfect blend of old-school Halloween charm (hello, scarecrows!) and modern convenience (trick-or-treating in one spot? Yes, please!).
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to kick off the Halloween season. After all, why limit your costume-wearing and candy-eating to just one night?
Mark Your Calendars
So, there you have it, folks – the Trunk or Treat and Scarecrow Contest, happening on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills CSD Parking Lot (1021 Harvard Way). It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and guaranteed to be a howling good time.
Whether you’re a longtime El Dorado Hills resident or just visiting for some Halloween fun, this event is not to be missed. So grab your costume, bring your sweet tooth, and get ready for a night of spooky celebration. After all, Halloween only comes once a year – you might as well make the most of it!
Sources: allevents.in, seecalifornia.com
Header Image Source: Photo by Hiroko Nishimura on Unsplash