Local Club Offers Alternative Halloween Fun

Riverside Optimist’s Club wants kids to trade tricks for trunks next Sunday at Average Joe’s for a Halloween blast. 

“It brings joy to the kids and also allows them to know that this is one of the many events that the Optimist Club puts on,” said Meaghan Cousineau, president of Riverside Optimist Club. “We put it on free of charge and we want to see those smiles on the kids’ faces.” 

The Trunk or Treat and Pumpkin Giveaway will allow young ones to take treats from the car trunks of volunteers and carve free pumpkins. 

Cousineau said the event offers an opportunity to involve more people in Halloween who may not be lucky enough to experience it at its’ typical time. 

“It’s also not realistic from a sports schedule, or maybe families have something else going on on the night of Halloween,” said Cousineau. “So, we like to offer it in the morning when some younger kids are able to come out and maybe make it more of a whole family event.”  

Cousineau also said there were several aspects of arranging the event, including purchasing pumpkins from DuRocher Farms in LaSalle and purchasing enough candy for the event. 

Previous numbers from last year’s event totalled over 250 kids, and Cousineau said she expects the same amount this Sunday. 

“Just bringing the community together and allowing a fun place and a fun activity for kids and families to have, that’s the main goal.” 

The Trunk or Treat and Pumpkin Giveaway takes place on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Those interested in learning more can go on to https://www.facebook.com/OptimistClubOfRiverside/