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WILKES-BARRE — Cars, costumes and kids were the focus of the annual “Trunk or Treat” on Saturday at Public Square.
Hosted by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region Automobile Club of America, classic and modern cars and motorcycles were lined up on the Square from noon to 4 p.m. with their open trunks filled with sweets for the young, costumed candy-cravers — and their parents.
There was no registration or entry fee for cars and bikes, and the vehicle owners could come and go as they pleased.
The event featured a costume parade and contest, as well as awards for the cars and bikes.
“Trunk or Treat” served as the season finale for the club’s monthly car and bike cruises, which take place the last Fridays in April through September.
Club president Sharon Nenichka said they invite trick-or-treaters on Saturday afternoons due to safety reasons.
“Years ago, we did it at night, from 6 to 9. But by 7:30, it was already dark and a lot of the parents wanted to get (their children) home for safety reasons,” Nenichka explained. “Four years ago, we decided to bring it in the daytime.”
Nenichka said that last year’s event catered to about 700 people, and this year’s attendance was not far off.
The costume parade took place at 2 p.m., and awards were given for multiple categories, including cutest, scariest and most original.
Sister and brother Alexis and Christian Martin each took home the trophies for most original and scariest, respectively.
Alexis, 13, dressed as a vending machine in a costume made from a box, table cloth, printed snack labels and Saran wrap — and “about four rolls of tape,” according to her mother, Jillian. The teen got the idea after a few years of failed costume contests.
“Prettiest and scariest never worked, so I was thinking of a miscellaneous one,” she said, adding that she came up with the idea on her own.
Christian, 15, was decked out in a horrifying, blood-covered zombie mask he found at a Halloween store three years ago. He was no stranger to winning in the scary category — his mother said he has won a contest every year.
“It’s been the same mask for three years. We just add more blood,” said their father, Michael.
Christian said the added blood and creepy laugh he puts on make the costume the scariest.
While the event was kid-focused, the car fans had their chance to win prizes as well.
Chelsea Zongilla, from Duryea, took home the trophy for the President’s Choice.
She brought her red 2017 Volkswagen Beetle, which is adorned with eyelashes and ladybug spots. Her candy-filled trunk oozed smoke and bubbles, and she was dressed as a ladybug to match her buggy.
She said she grew up interested in cars because of her father, who owned a classic himself and took her to drag races and car shows.
“It’s a lady bug all year ‘round. It’s just a fun little car,” she said. “I actually drag-race this.”
Tommy Martin, chairperson of the cruises along with his daughter and son-in-law, said the club enjoys family-oriented events.
“We’re trying to get the kids into cars in general,” he said. The club hosts a cruise to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and one for back-to-school season where it gives away school supplies.
“I like to center it around the kids. They bring the families in, and that’s what makes it fun,” said Martin.
