Record turnout for WM trunk or treat

Over 3,000 show up for city’s annual candy giveaway extravaganza

By Don Wilburn

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis’ annual Trunkor- Treat Halloween event was a roaring success, with over 3,000 people attending this year’s spooky celebration.

Held at the city’s Civic Center, the event brought together local businesses, volunteers, and city departments to create a safe, fun-filled night of candy, costumes, and community spirit. Theresa Bowe, Director of Community Outreach and the mastermind behind the event, was thrilled by the massive turnout. “It was unreal, it was amazing, it was ballistic!” she said, still in awe. “I’m serious, we must have had more than 3,000 people there. We had at least 1,500 kids, and with their parents, it was easily double that. It was a night to remember.”

This year’s Trunk-or-Treat was not just about candy—it was about community. Volunteers from Marion Junior High School, including students Zoë and Chymaiah Bowe, as well as Mrs. Kai Bass and, were on hand to ensure the night ran smoothly.

Bowe gave special thanks to the volunteers, saying, “You guys totally rocked out! We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Local departments also played a huge role in the success of the event. The West Memphis Police Department handed out candy and sno-cones, which were a huge hit with the kids.

“It was simply amazing to see the joy on the children’s faces,” one officer said. Not to be outdone, the West Memphis Fire Department joined in on the fun, distributing popcorn and letting curious youngsters explore the fire truck.

One of the biggest attractions of the night was the West Utilities Department’s decorated bucket truck. “Wow, oh wow! That bucket truck is always a big success for the kids,” said Bowe. Kids not only marveled at the decorations but also got the thrill of going up in the bucket truck, an experience that added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

Local businesses and city departments stepped up in a big way. The West Memphis City Finance Department and Purchasing Department embraced the spirit of the season with a Monopoly-themed trunk, complete with spooky treats.

“They monopolized the Trunk-or-Treat with their cre-

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ativity,” Bowe laughed. Even Ronda from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) joined in the fun, helping to ensure the event was packed with thrills and chills.

A standout feature of this year’s event was the strategic planning. “I was very strategic this year,” Bowe explained. “Some people made over 1,000 bags of candy, and we used stamps for a single line to keep things moving.”

Despite the large crowds, the atmosphere remained festive and patient, with lines stretching from the back of the Civic Center to the trees near the doctor’s offices. “Everyone was in good spirits, even though the line was long,” Bowe added.

In addition to the incredible volunteers and city departments, 27 local businesses participated, adding to the magic of the night. Companies like Coca-Cola and Chick-fil-A got in on the fun, helping make the event even more special for the families who attended.

For many children, the event provided a rare chance to enjoy a carnival-like experience. “It gives me so much joy to see these kids so happy,” Bowe said. “For some of them, this may be their only opportunity to go to something like this. To see them smiling, having all the candy and music, it just makes everything worth it.”

This year’s Trunk-or-Treat was a record-breaking event for West Memphis, and with such overwhelming community support, it’s clear the tradition will only continue to grow. “Everyone really came together,” Bowe said proudly.

“We couldn’t have done it alone, and I’m so grateful for everyone who helped make this night so special for our community.”