As the leaves crunch underfoot and jack-o’-lanterns flicker to life, our staff photographer captured the magic and mischief of Halloween in our community. From pint-sized pumpkins at Summitview Elementary to heroic haunts at the Washington Township Police Department, these snapshots from Fort Ritchie and Hooverville Elementary brim with costumes, candy quests and pure seasonal joy—proving our neighborhoods know how to trick-or-treat in style.
Washington Township buzzed with Halloween cheer on Friday evening as families flocked to the local police station for the annual Trunk or Treat event, a frightfully delightful affair organized by the Washington Township Police Department. From 5 to 8 p.m., costumed goblins, superheroes and mini pumpkins enjoyed an array of treats, games and spooky surprises, with local organizations like Blue Ridge Rescue Squad and Fun Castle Center decking out trunks for the occasion and even featuring a dancing skeleton to amp up the festivities. Adding to the community spirit, State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) joined the fun, donning a pirate’s hat and eyepatch to hand out candy and mingle with attendees, emphasizing the event’s role in fostering neighborly bonds amid the autumn festivities.
Hundreds of costumed children descended on the Fort Ritchie Community Center for a festive Trunk or Treat event, organized by the center alongside Englar Electric and Blue Ridge Summit Free Library. From 3 to 5 p.m., over 400 kids and families enjoyed a parade of decorated trunks brimming with candy and community spirit. The afternoon’s ghoulish gathering proved a sweet success, fostering smiles and seasonal cheer in the neighborhood.
Waynesboro’s Hooverville Elementary School transformed its parking lot into a festive haunt on Oct. 24 for its annual Trunk or Treat extravaganza, drawing hundreds of families for a night of candy, costumes, and community cheer. Principal Dianne Eberhardt dove into the spirit of the evening, donning a green cap and overalls to embody Luigi from the iconic Mario & Luigi duo, mingling with wide-eyed trick-or-treaters amid glowing trunks and spooky decorations. The event buzzed with laughter and light-hearted scares, underscoring the school’s commitment to safe, joyful Halloween traditions.
Summitview Elementary School’s parking lot pulsed with Halloween magic on Oct. 24, as hundreds of families queued up for the annual Trunk or Treat bash. Costumed kids dashed from trunk to trunk, their buckets overflowing with sweets amid glowing jack-o’-lanterns and playful decorations. The event fostered a safe haven for community spirit, turning a crisp autumn night into a memorable fright fest for all ages.
