By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
While Boom City might be famously known for explosive deals on pyrotechnics in the summer, it has recently become the home of a fall time family event, beloved by Tulalip and its surrounding communities.
Hundreds of kids, dressed as their favorite characters, excitedly bustled about the gravelly site on the afternoon of October 27. Following a line that rotated in a clockwise circle, the kiddos slowly filled up their plastic jack-o’-lantern pails, Halloween-themed totes, and pillowcases with enough sugary snacks to last for months on end. Their parents, many of whom were also incognito as the counterparts to their children’s costumes, followed closely behind, happily engaging in conversation with the thirty-or-so families distributing candy.
Organized by local non-profit, Together We’re Better, the event is highly anticipated by the community each Halloween season. On that particular Sunday afternoon, heavy rainfall was predicted by local meteorologists and weather apps alike. But the Creator must’ve been smiling down upon the Tulalip community as the precipitation let up for the entire duration of the two-hour gathering.
“The annual Trunk or Treat is always an event that I and my family look forward to,” said Together We’re Better Founder, Malory Simpson. “One thing I always try to teach my children is how to give back to our community. This is one of the ways we choose to do that. We typically try to coordinate as a family, or at least park near each other, so we can enjoy each other’s company as well as soak in all of the joy from the youth and community members.”
It seems like every year Together We’re Better finds a way to outshine their previous Trunk or Treat events, in both participation and attendance. And that speaks volumes about their grassroots efforts, because the Tulalips do not play about Halloween. Their standard for wicked fun is set as high as a witch’s broom. Many locals love this holiday. So much so that the Tribe hosts several of its own eerie events this time of year, including a community party and an employee party, to satiate the harrowing Halloween hunger of the community. And that’s not to mention the Marysville, Everett, Arlington, and Stanwood community members who join in on the frightful and fang-tastic fun of Trunk or Treat.
For the people, by the people, Trunk or Treat is 100% community-funded and volunteer-based, which of course is Together We’re Better’s M.O. With the exception of the social distancing era, in which the Tribe donated a portion of the sweets, the non-profit has relied on candy donations from the community; as well as volunteers to participate and adorn their whips, rez-runners, and hoopties with spine-chilling décor. And for over a decade, this has resulted in a fun opportunity for local kids to participate in the trick-or-treat tradition, in a safe environment and amongst people they know and trust.
“What does Together We’re Better mean to me?” Malory pondered. “The name says it all – Together We’re Better! Together, we helped to create a successful event for around 650 people [this year]. When we all come together and work towards a goal as team, not only are we helping create a healthy and safe event, but we are working together and building bridges with members outside of our community by giving them a space to also join in on the event and host a trunk.”
Trunk or Treat 2024 was a graveyard smash! There were so many great costumes on display, ranging from superheroes to slashers. And there was no shortage of creativity by the volunteers either, this year’s themed trunks included a zombie pig farm, two separate scenes from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an ominous cornfield, a witch’s apothecary, and the classic creepy carnival.
“It is always amazing to witness the work that goes into the event, whether it’s community members sending monetary donations, porch drop-offs of candy, or items purchased from the wish list,” expressed Malory. “And seeing the work that each member puts into creating a fun and sometimes scary themed trunk. You can see how much thought, time, and effort has gone into each trunk. All the kids are happy and smiling, the parents seem just as happy and excited for their children as well. That makes it all worth it.”
If you are looking to get more involved with the community, Together We’re Better is always accepting donations, whether that is goods, funds, or your personal volunteered time. For more information, please contact Malory Simpson at (425) 905-9137.