Shippensburg University is encouraging students to still participate in Halloween fun this semester despite the changes in tradition because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This weekend was filled with spooky events for students both on and off campus. 

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) hosted a Haunted Rail Trail event Friday. Students were able to walk through a section of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail starting near the Spiritual Center. 

The trail was decorated with various Halloween decorations, and volunteers dressed in costume attempted to scare students by jumping out of the bushes and chasing them down the trail. 

The event was well attended by students with a line forming before it started. Masks were required and groups were limited to no more than four people to comply with social distancing guidelines. 

The Shippensburg Graduate Student Association Board hosted pumpkin carving Saturday at the Hockey Rink. 

The board offered in-person and Zoom options to accommodate both remote and face-to-face students. 

The event was free to graduate students and offered an optional contest to give students the chance to win gift cards from Walmart, Amazon and Dunkin’ Donuts. 

While trick or treating in many areas has been canceled, the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council hosted a drive-thru trick-or-treat to provide a safe way for kids to dress up and receive candy. 

The event was held at the Cumberland Drive-In Theatre in Newville and was open to students and community members alike. 

Participants handing out candy were able to decorate their cars and dress up to increase the fun for all ages. Officials donated all proceeds from the event to the Rails-to-Trails Council. 

With Halloween this weekend, SU is offering several options as alternatives to the traditional Halloween scene. 

Students can find events in the Ship News & Events weekly email, as well as on the SU Activites Program Board (APB) social media, and on flyers in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB). 

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