The Hot Springs Village Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Hot Springs Village Police Department, is hosting Trunk or Treat again in 2023. Previously, this event was held at the HSV Police Station, but because of the popularity and growth of the event, it has been relocated this year. 2023 Trunk or Treat will be held at the Ponce de Leon Center at 1101 DeSoto Boulevard on Tuesday, October 31, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. According to HSV Police Chief Kristi Bennett, the event provides “the youth of our community a fun and safe environment to enjoy the holiday.”
Chief Kristi Bennett said, “The Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association started the annual Trunk or Treat in 2016 at the police department. The CPAAA is essential in providing dedicated support to the agency and assists us in our community policing efforts every day. According to Mrs. Ruth Caverly, CPAAA President, we have had approximately 250 kids attend the event. This year we wanted to extend the event to the entire community to participate, and due to space constraints here at the police department, the Ponce Center will allow anyone and everyone to participate. It also allows us to fellowship with one another as a community.”
Bennett said that although the event is called Trunk or Treat, treat-givers are not limited to passing out treats from vehicles with a trunk, Bennett explained the process, “[Treaters] with a trunk, i.e. car, truck, will decorate their trunk and pass out candy. But there are no rules, so golf carts, motorcycles, anything will do. Right now, we have a motorcycle club coming with eight bikes to decorate and give out candy.”
Treats and More
The event offers more than passing out treats! It is a fun-filled evening with several activities! There will be face painting, games, a train ride, and a bouncy house. The face painter is from a local church, and Pastor G’s church at Assembly of God will provide the train rides. One of the games is a spooky bowling game called “Boo-ling.”
Hot Springs Village Police Officers will be on hand to help out! Some officers will bring their own children to the party, but all of them would love to meet with you and socialize. Some of the officers may even wear costumes!
All HSV clubs, organizations, churches, and Village businesses are invited to participate. This invitation includes surrounding area businesses. Individuals may also participate if they go through the proper vetting and registration procedure. Halloween costumes are not mandatory but are encouraged. Registration for treat-givers is required. To register, please email Ms. Angie White at awhite@hsvpoa.org or call her at 501-922-0011.
Bennett said that every day, additional organizations are signing up to participate, and they have creative ideas. “I LOVE IT. The possibilities of this are endless,” voiced the Chief.
Chief Kristi enthused, “The Hot Springs Village Police and Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association are pleased to offer this event to our community and looking forward to building relationships with our clubs, organizations, and churches who are equally committed to creating a safe and fun environment for all our children of this great community.”
Come if you dare!
Witching you a Happy and Safe Halloween!
By Cheryl Dowden; photography provided by HSV CPAAA and HSV Police Department
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