Saturday, Starved Rock Regional Center (SRRC) (formerly Easter Seals) held their fourth annual Truck or Treat event at the 4-H County Fairgrounds. As in years past, costumed kids and parents wandered the grounds for candy and treats packed in the trunks of about 30 cars.
Jen Kirkman of SRRC was coordinating cars, food vendors, a hay maze, and inflatables, including a haunted house.
“This is our fourth year,” Kirkman said. “Our first year, we have about 3,000 people attend. Last year, 2,000 kids were here. So, we’ll see, but it already looks like a lot of cars are starting to arrive.”
Spiders were the theme for North Central Behavioral Health employees. Kristina Thrush, Noelle Slicker, and Rachel Ernst were waiting for the kids. They came prepared with 1,000 pieces of candy and other treats.
“We’re here because SRCC is aligned with our goals,” Sliker said. “This is our first year participating, so we’ve been looking forward to being here. We planned our spider theme for a few weeks,” Sliker said. “We do look a little scary, I think.”
Ottawa’s two facility support dogs, Rookie and Muskie, with their officers, were there, enjoying the kids. Officers were there to say hi and get to know their community. They came prepared with a lot of candy.
“We’re here because Jennifer (Kirkman) reached out and asked us if we would want to participate,” Officer Anderson said. “This is the first year with dogs in our department, so we want to make sure everyone gets to meet them,” he said while petting Muskie’s head.
There were contests for several categories.
Best individual/family: “The Mullet Machine,” who donated his $100 prize back to Starved Rock Regional Center.
Best non-profit/organization: North Central Behavioral Health Systems with their spider theme. The organization won $100 and a sponsorship for the Black and White Ball, on February 24th, 2024.
Best Business: TCG Property Management & Realty for their Barbie-themed trunk. The company won a sponsorship for the Black and White Ball.
