Open Arms carries a 20-year community tradition forward at a new location this Halloween.

BRADFORD, Pa. — For someone who loves handing out Halloween candy but lives on a street where few children knock, a decorated car trunk can become a front porch for the evening.

That simple idea helped shape a Bradford tradition that is marking its 20th annual event this year. On Saturday, October 31, Trunk or Treat will welcome families to a new home at Open Arms Community Church, 71 Congress Street, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to everyone. Children can come in costume, bring a candy bucket or bag, and visit decorated vehicles with their families. Families attending do not need to register.

For Josh Hatcher, Open Arms’ communications director, the evening’s purpose reaches back to his days working part time at the Community Life Center at Grace Lutheran Church. There, he worked with Selene Machuga, and volunteers from both Grace Lutheran and Open Arms Community Church  to develop the event.

“Twenty years ago, when we started Trunk or Treat with the CLC,  there were not many of these events happening anywhere else,” Hatcher said. “It was never meant to take away from trick or treating, but to give people who may live in a neighborhood without trick or treaters a place to hand out candy, and kids and families a safe place to gather.”

Machuga, who died last year, loved the event and seeing children and their families come through the parking lot. As Open Arms takes responsibility for keeping the tradition going, Hatcher remembers the joy she found in welcoming those families.

This year, organizers are keeping things simple, with decorated trunks and candy in the parking lot at Open Arms. The focus is on giving kids a fun evening and families a warm welcome as the tradition continues at its new home. with hopes of growing in the years ahead.

Hatcher said gratitude for the people at Grace Lutheran remains part of the event’s story.

“We’ll always be grateful for the partnership with Grace Lutheran over these 20 years, and we’re always open to partnering with them,” he said. “The Kingdom of God is not separate little tribes. We’re one family. And any chance that churches can work together is a good thing.”

At Open Arms, the invitation to participate is also an invitation to put faith into practice through creativity, generosity and a warm welcome.

“For us, Trunk or Treat is an opportunity to shine a light in the darkness, and to show our community that we love them and care about them,” Hatcher said.

That emphasis on light shapes the church’s approach to Halloween.

“October 31 is not the devil’s day. It’s God’s day. Every day is God’s day, because He made the day,” Hatcher said. “So we’re going to honor him with creativity, kindness, and blessing children and their families. Jesus said we are the light of the world, so we’re going to try to reflect some of that light into our community.”

Individuals, families, businesses and community organizations are invited to help by hosting a trunk. Displays can be simple or elaborate. Fairy Tales is this year’s suggested decorating theme, but participants are welcome to bring other family-friendly ideas.

Those who cannot host a trunk can still take part by donating individually wrapped candy at Open Arms Community Church, 71 Congress Street, before the event.

Trunk hosts are asked to register in advance at https://openarmscommunitychurch.org/trunk-or-treat/. Setup in the Congress Street parking lot can begin at 4:00 p.m. Hosts are encouraged to bring their vehicles into the lot before 5:00 p.m. to limit driving through the area as people set up.

After two decades, the invitation is still a simple one: bring a little creativity, share something sweet and help a family feel welcome.