Large crowd gathers for Annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ at Heard Arena

‘Trunk or Treat’ Costume Winners (L-R): Hadlee Godfrey, Caydin Turner, and Tina Hamil

(Franklin, GA) — The rains cleared away just in time in for a near record crowd of children and adults to flock to the 11th annual “Trunk or Treat” event at the Heard County Covered Arena on a chilly Halloween night.

This year’s event featured around 40 decorated “trunks” along with other types of vehicles thanks to volunteers from throughout the community taking part in the holiday event.

Volunteers and participants coordinated and designed the arena. It was packed with vehicles, equipment, and lots of decorations.

The judges for the Best “Trunk” awarded the first place prize to a flatbed truck sponsored by McCormick’s Automotive and decorated by Kayla Turner.

With so many in attendance wearing costumes, the judges had a very difficult time choosing the best costume awards.

In the baby division, best costume was awarded to little Hadlee Godfrey, age 2, for her reindeer costume.

In the kids’ category, first place was awarded to 8-year-old Caydin Turner for his awesome toy solider outfit. In the adult category, Tina Hamil claimed the big prize for her traditional scarecrow costume.

The unwrapped toys and monetary donations that were gathered during the event will be delivered to the Heard County Sheriff’s Department to be locally distributed this Christmas.

Franklin Police Chief Kevin Hannah was pleased with the great turnout on the chilly fall night.

“Trunk or Treat is an awesome event in many ways and allows a safe environment for everyone to gather; lessening pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and ensuring candy is being provided by trustworthy people,” says Chief Kevin Hannah.

“I would like personally thank everyone that played a role in making this event successful and I enjoyed spending my Halloween with the citizens and visitors of our great community. For those of you that were not able to join us this year, we hope that you will make plans to do so next year and we encourage you to sign up to decorate a trunk of your own.”

Best Trunk Winner McCormick’s Automotive. (L-R): Carter Hardman, Hank Stephens, and Mckenzee Hardman

“First and foremost, I’m so proud to live in a community where the citizens care deeply about the children,” said Heard County Sheriff Ross Henry.

“The annual Trunk or Treat is a great event that allows our children to still dress up in their costumes, have loads of fun and be in a safe environment. I’d like to thank all the organizations and volunteers who make this event possible every year, and thank you to all of the participants for taking time to decorate a trunk and give out candy. The smiles on the many small faces makes this such a worthwhile Halloween celebration.”

The 11 Annual Trunk or Treat was sponsored by The Franklin Police Department, Heard County Sheriff’s Office, Heard EMA, Heard County BOC, Heard Community Partnership, and Heard High FFA.