From left: Damariscotta Police Department Administrative Assistant Joanna Kenefick, Sgt. Erick Halpin, Chief Jason Warlick, and Officer David Bellows attend the Damariscotta Trunk-or-Treat at Great Salt Bay Community School on Oct. 31, 2017. (Maia Zewert photo, LCN file)
The Damariscotta Police Department, the Central Lincoln County YMCA, and Great Salt Bay Community School are once again teaming up for a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat. The event will take place in the GSB back parking lot from 4-6 p.m. on Halloween.
Last year marked the first Halloween collaboration by the police department, the school, and the Y, according to Karen-Ann Hagar, the Y’s program and outreach coordinator.
“It truly was a community collaboration. We all have the same goal in mind, and we’re all serving the same folks,” Hagar said.
In addition to supporting the community, the event was a “win-win” for the police department for safety reasons, Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick said.
“Parents know this is a safe place to bring their kids. They know we make sure that the candy and items going home with their kids are safe. It’s just a safe, healthy, happy environment,” Warlick said. “From our side of things, it also gives kids a chance to see police officers and firefighters in a positive light.”
The 2017 event was a huge success, running out of both candy and hot dogs by the end of the night.
The organizers hope to build on the success of last year by making this event bigger and better. The Kieve-Wavus climbing wall will be at the event and hot dogs will be available. Sandcastle Entertainment is donating games for the event, Hagar said.
The trunk-or-treat is a free event. Any donations will go toward next year’s event.
The event organizers welcome volunteers to hand out treats for the children. To volunteer, contact Hagar at 563-9622. To donate candy, contact Warlick at 563-1909.
