Families in the Bend‑La Pine School District have a festive option for Halloween this year. The district’s annual Trunk‑or‑Treat celebration will take place on Friday, October 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at two convenient locations.
Event details
Bus drivers from the district will transform their school buses into moving haunted stations, decorating each vehicle with spooky themes and handing out candy to children who stop by. The two sites are:
- Bend Transportation on SE Second Street in Bend
- La Pine Middle School and its transportation hub on First Street in La Pine
Both locations will be staffed by school personnel and volunteers, ensuring a safe environment for kids of all ages. Organizers ask participants to arrive in costume, adding to the holiday spirit.
Why the community loves Trunk‑or‑Treat
The Trunk‑or‑Treat tradition has become a beloved part of the district’s Halloween programming. By using school buses rather than a traditional haunted house, the event offers a controlled, family‑friendly setting that reduces traffic congestion and provides a clear, supervised space for children to collect treats.
Parents appreciate the convenience of having two sites, allowing them to choose the location most convenient to their daily routes. The event also reinforces the district’s commitment to community engagement, giving families an opportunity to connect with teachers, staff, and fellow residents in a relaxed atmosphere.
Safety and logistics
District officials emphasize that safety is a top priority. All volunteers have undergone background checks, and the buses will be parked in well‑lit areas with clear signage. Hand‑out stations will follow standard health guidelines, and any food allergies will be respected by providing non‑candy alternatives upon request.
In addition to candy, the celebration will feature a short “haunted bus ride” where children can experience a brief, themed tour inside a decorated vehicle. This adds an extra layer of excitement while keeping the activity short and supervised.
How to participate
Families should arrive between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., bring a costume, and be prepared for a short wait as each bus is visited. No registration is required, and the event is free to the public. For any questions, parents can contact the Bend‑La Pine Schools transportation office at (541) 555‑1234.
Community members are encouraged to share photos and memories on social media using the hashtag #BLPTrunkOrTreat, helping to spread the word and showcase the district’s vibrant Halloween spirit.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
