Luzerne County’s Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat Event This Sunday

In an effort to reach out to the community, Luzerne County’s Department of Emergency Services is inviting families to their annual trunk-or-treat event. Scheduled for this Sunday, October 11, the event promises a special sensory-friendly hour to accommodate children with sensory needs.

Luzerne County Department of Emergency Services Facebook

Luzerne County’s Department of Emergency Services expects a large turnout to this year’s trunk-or-treat.

Kristen Rowlands, an organizer for the event, highlighted the focus on inclusivity. “We do have a very large sensory-friendly community at this time, whether children have autism or something along those lines. So it’s a quiet event between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. No lights, no sirens, no flashy lights and specifically just for them,” Rowlands shared.

Understanding triggers and reactions of children with sensory needs has been a priority. Rowlands emphasized the importance of making the event accessible for everyone, noting that the sensory-friendly hour takes place while it’s still light outside.

In addition to the sensory-friendly activities, the event will feature a variety of food trucks and spooky attractions. Attendees can look forward to vendors like Fizzy Pop and Nat Spooky Spoon, which offers Halloween-themed fare. Uncle Bucks will also be present, along with a haunted trailer for those seeking a thrill.

Since its inception in 2023, the trunk-or-treat has grown in popularity. Rowlands recalled, “We gave between 700 to 800 bags out that year, and since then it’s just taken off. Last year, I believe we had close to 2000 families come.” Expectations for this year’s turnout remain high, and the event’s admission is free.

MORE EVENTS

For a comprehensive list of events and attractions, including other trunk-or-treats in the region, visit DiscoverNEPA.

Luzerne County Sheriff's Department man their candy stand, ready to meet trunk-or-treaters during last year's event. — Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department man their candy stand, ready to meet trunk-or-treaters during last year’s event.

If you go

Attendees should be prepared for limited parking availability. The department recommends using the Red Cross parking lot. The trunk-or-treat will be held at 100 Young St., Hanover Twp., with a sensory-friendly hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by the general public event from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.