First time Halloween event draws big crowds in Decatur park

DECATUR -- What to do about Halloween this year? That was the question that Decatur city officials, chamber members, and area businesses asked as the Halloween observance loomed closer and closer ... until two city clerks at Decatur City Hall came up with a solution.

Debbie Buffer and Sheila Verser, along with the Decatur Police and Fire departments, came up with a plan to have one place for the area churches and other merchants to gather and give out Halloween treats and a hot dog or two. Thus the first Trunk or Treat celebration at Decatur's Veterans Park was born.

Neither Buffer nor Verser knew at the time just how successful the Trunk or Treat event would be, as parents, children, and even dogs, dressed up in their best and, in some cases, inventive costumes.

"We are definitely doing this again next year," Verser commented as the event began winding down around 7:30 p.m.