Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. The year is 2020 and how does a small town, small school PTA pull off a Trunk or Treat event? Community support and two highly organized, creative and determined PTA members did it. The big question always was, can this be done within Boulder County and Boulder Valley School District guidelines and remain safe for all involved? After looking at data, much discussion about the pros and cons and getting approval from the school district, Trunk or Treat continued to be a tradition in Nederland.

PTA member Kameron Troy and Board Treasurer Jess McElvain planned the route, rounded up volunteers to donate their trunks and set safety precautions that everyone had to follow. 

The energy at the elementary school parking lot was exciting and grateful. Thirteen trunks handed out candy to over 75 cars. 

As cars rounded the corner on Sundown Trail, they could see a Nederland Fire Truck with the ladder extended. A firefighter was on top of the ladder dropping candy down a perfectly placed tube into a child’s candy bag that was outstretched from the car window. Other volunteer trunks used a rain gutter, PVC pipe, grabbers and even a broom to give candy to the kids while social distancing. The Nederland Fire Department and the Forest Service were represented.  

It was good fun and a tiny bit of normalcy for Halloween 2020.

(Originally published in the November 5, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)