Monster cars, crazy clowns, a dessert walk and a fun haunted trail will be just some of the highlights of the Fourth Annual Boys and Girls Clubs of Hernando County Monster Car Show Trunk or Treat. This event will take place on October 14, from 4-9 p.m. at The Lake House, located at 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. This marks the only fund-raiser for BGCHC, one conducted in partnership with Hernando Parks and Recreation. BGCHC provides before and after-school programs at school locations throughout the county, and a myriad of other programs for children in need.
“Last year’s trunk or treat event raised $15,000 for BGCHC,” said Jennifer Harpin, vice president and chief development officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hernando County. “And people are always asking, ‘When is the next one?’”
As a part of this one-of-a-kind trunk or treat event, community volunteers are asked to bring 10 large bags of candy and costumed ‘monster cars’ decorated for the season. Volunteers are still needed at this time.
“These cars need not be classic, but they must be monstrous,” said Harpin. “Prizes will be awarded for the best overall decorated, the spookiest car, etc.”
Guests also will be invited to walk the event’s haunted trail, a presentation of the BGCHC Keystone Teen Club. “This is an eerie trail just brimming with sights and sounds. Our teen club members work very hard on the trail project,” said Harpin.
Diandra Baylees, Keystone Teen Club member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County, sees the haunted trail as a fun learning experience for all involved. “When youth run a project, like the haunted trail, they can set a great example by showing teamwork, leadership, and creativity to our community,” she said. “By working together towards a common goal, they can inspire others to get involved and positively impact their community. It’s a powerful way to show that young people have the ability to make a difference and create change.”
Once guests have had their fill of the haunted trail, they can take another fun journey on the Monster Mash Dessert Walk. When they play the new Monster Mash Dessert Walk Game, they get the chance to win desserts from a variety of local restaurants.
The Monster Car Show Trunk or Treat event also will feature carnival games, food trucks, live entertainment, and arts and crafts vendors.
Proceeds from this event will support the services of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County. “We serve young people aged six months to 18 years,” said Harpin. “We have 14 sites, seven before and afterschool programs. And we offer the teen club, which teaches kids to be leaders – in the club, in the school, in the community.”
Harpin expects to see a variety of costumes at this event, ranging from Batman to Barbie, and Wednesday Addams to other steampunk characters. Yet regardless of their individual choice of costume, all of those in attendance are bound to be superheroes and heroines in the eyes of the children they help.
Visit www.bgchernando.org or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094677526593 for more information about the Fourth Annual Boys and Girls Clubs of Hernando County Monster Car Show Trunk or Treat. The event costs $5 for general admission and $2 additionally for the haunted trail attraction, with this additional admission going to support the Keystone Teen Club.
