As the month of October came to an end, the families and children in the Shippensburg community came together for nights of Halloween festivities. On Monday, Oct 24, both students and families alike came together for a fun-filled night of Treats not Tricks. 

The Shippensburg University Student Services Inc. and the Office of Community Engagement organized the event, but it was up to the students to make sure the night was successful. Students and/or their organizations could volunteer to host an activity table and hand out candy to the families and children stopping by. While it is unsure just how many organizations volunteered, there were sidewalks lined up with groups hosting tables and games. 

Games and activities included face painting, coloring pages, cornhole, crafting, tic tac toe, Jenga and many more. Once the sun went down, a small campfire was started, and the community was welcome to sit by and enjoy the warmth. 

While it was not mandatory for volunteers to wear a costume, they were encouraged to. Students and families could be seen dressed as princesses, superheroes, movie characters, astronauts, firefighters and many more. 

As well as families and students, it seemed our furry friends enjoyed the night as well. Throughout the night, many dogs were seen sporting costumes. Alison Watts, a professor in the John L. Grove College of Business, brought in Raider who, much to his dismay, donned a bumblebee costume. Other dogs were seen as sharks, dinosaurs and even another bumblebee. 

“This was a night full of laughter and joy. It was an incredible experience watching little kids jump with joy,” SU first-year student Katelyn Johnson said. She was among the many Shippensburg University students hosting activity tables. Her table was fairy themed with lights, coloring pages and crayons for children to enjoy. 

As the night grew dark and the air got colder, volunteers were wrapping up in coats and blankets, but it was all worth it to see the joy in all the children’s faces. It is safe to say that this year’s annual Treat not Trick was a successful one.

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