1000 x 90

10th Annual ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ at Historic Banner Elk School a Massive Success; Check Out the Photos Here!

by Madison V. Fisler

Nov. 1, 2013. For ten years, the trunk-or-treat tradition in Banner Elk has been one that many look forward too all year. Though the location has varied over the years, from the Food Lion Shopping Center, to Banner Elk Park and finally Historic Banner Elk School, the tradition has always remained the same. 

A decade ago, Trish Daniels started the trunk-or-treat in a grocery store parking lot after hearing about it from friends who came to the High Country from Orlando. Each year, the event grew and grew, eventually outgrowing all of the venues until finally the event found its home at the school.

“When I heard about it, I thought it was a great idea decided we would do it as soon as possible.”

A few years later, armed with volunteers, sponsors and lots of eager kids, the trunk-or-treat began its now decade-long reign. 

“We had a lot of help,” Daniels said. “The Kiwanis organization provides the insurance, the TDA gives financial support and there’s many others.”

But what exactly is a trunk-or-treat?

Dozens of folks park their cars, dress up and hand out candy and trinkets from their trunks to eagerly waiting children dressed in their best Halloween getups. This tradition is a great way for kids to enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe and family-friendly environment. 

“It was a huge success last night, the biggest we have ever had,” said Daniels.

“We had over 1,000 [children] and something like 39 cars and trucks come out. We had a haunted house from the city of Banner Elk, and we make a donation to Lees-McRae Theatre to run it. It is a lot of fun.”

But the event is about a lot more than getting candy! The trunk-or-treat has evolved into a festival, with facepainting, costume contests and more!

“This year was great, the weather cooperated, and a lot of area businesses turned out to give out treats too!” Daniels said. 

“Next year, we are hoping to have even more people come out to give out candy to the kids. Tons of people come to trunk-or-treat, but we would love to have more people giving out the candy, even businesses!”

If you didn’t make it out to the trunk-or-treat, don’t worry! The event comes around on Halloween night every year and will be going strong next year too! But if you can’t wait that long, check out our photos from the event to see what you missed, and make sure you head out next year!

  • Photos by Ken Ketchie
  • DSC_0159
  • DSC_0139
  • DSC_0104
  • DSC_0140
  • DSC_0165
  • DSC_0141
  • DSC_0166
  • DSC_0144
  • DSC_0119
  • DSC_0117
  • DSC_0121
  • DSC_0122
  • DSC_0167
  • DSC_0172
  • DSC_0177
  • DSC_0192
  • DSC_0145
  • DSC_0148
  • DSC_0151
  • DSC_0153
  • DSC_0124
  • DSC_0128
  • DSC_0130
  • DSC_0135
  • DSC_0203
  • DSC_0156
  • DSC_0157
  • DSC_0137
  • DSC_0087
  • DSC_0088
  • DSC_0090
  • DSC_0060
  • DSC_0002
  • DSC_0004
  • DSC_0062
  • DSC_0032
  • DSC_0034
  • DSC_0006
  • DSC_0035
  • DSC_0038
  • DSC_0064
  • DSC_0065
  • DSC_0009
  • DSC_0067
  • DSC_0012
  • DSC_0013
  • DSC_0100
  • DSC_0069
  • DSC_0074
  • DSC_0015
  • DSC_0077
  • DSC_0017
  • DSC_0040
  • DSC_0044
  • DSC_0045
  • DSC_0049
  • DSC_0050
  • DSC_0079
  • DSC_0019
  • DSC_0025
  • DSC_0082
  • DSC_0027
  • DSC_0052
  • DSC_0056
  • DSC_0058
  • DSC_0085
  • DSC_0029