By Helina Bailey

Trunk or Treat this Halloween was a hit! If you missed it, you might catch it next year. The unprecedented turnout has the Chamber of Commerce wanting to make this event an annual treat for Union County, but the feasibility of this depends on volunteers and donations. All the candy handed out was donated and the “trunks” were set up by local businesses.
Despite this being the first Trunk or Treat hosted at the Maynardville Farmers Market Pavillion, it was a huge success. Children of all ages flocked to the pavilion in their costumes where they were treated to spooky music, over a dozen “trunks”, a fire engine, a haunted maze, free hot cocoa, and lots and lots of candy. Smiles were seen on everyone’s faces as the children darted from trunk to trunk filling their bags.
Special recognition goes out to Leahna Melton for conjuring up this idea and to the Chamber of Commerce for making this event happen. Martin Schaffer of Sign Guys, and Thomas Skibinski, both board members, worked with Leahna to get local businesses involved so that our children could enjoy a safe, candy filled Halloween.
It was truly a joint effort with help coming from all over. Union County Opry provided decorations, music, and handed out hot cocoa to the children (hot coffee to the adults). Leahna Melton, Debra Keck, and Deerenda Cooke hung up the decorations. Chamber of Commerce provided blow ups to ensure the event could be seen from the street to catch those passer byers who were unaware of the Trunk or Treat event. Seven Springs Farm to Table set up heaters to fight off the chill. In addition to those hosting the event who set up the venue, there was an outpouring of support from local businesses who showed up with their trunks decorated and filled with candy.
TK’s Gourmet Food Wagon was cooking up a storm, so parents had the option of grabbing dinner before heading home with their weary little trick or treaters, since it was a school night. Cub Scout Pak #922 set up a haunted maze next to the food truck which delighted little ones. The fire department and local EMTs were present with an ambulance and fire engine, which is always a hit with the kids. In addition to these large spectacles, there were a dozen other businesses who showed up for the kids and handed out candy. Walker Appliances handed out over three hundred pieces of candy within the first hour and had to run out to purchase more.
With roughly a thousand visitors walking through the trunk or treat, Thomas Skibinski, is excited to plan for next year. He would like to add more food and games at the next one and hopes that Maynardville’s Trunk or Treat will become an annual event with more sponsors. Thomas Skibinski would also like to give a big thank you to all the businesses who participated, donating their time and candy, to ensure the children in our community had a great time.
Here is a list of the businesses who volunteered at the event:
Union County Opry
David McCollough of State Farms
Edmonson & Edmonson Attorneys at Law
Union County Humane Society
Perry’s Décor & Boutique
The Real Estate Firm
Cub Scout Pack #922
Walker Appliances
TK’s Gourmet Food Wagon
Mission Hope Pediatric
Billy Woods Trucking
ICARE of Union County
Fire Chief Gordon and the Fire department
EMTs- Israel, Justin, Mathew with their Ambulance
Maynardville Farmers Market