The Bowling Green Police Department transformed the back lot of Gary A. Raymer Police Headquarters into an interwinding path for its sixth annual “Trunk or Treat” event.

Attendees lined up along East Main Avenue near the police headquarters. The street was filled with kids anxiously waiting to enter. Shouts accompanied games of tag in a patch of grass nearby as kids occupied themselves during the wait. 

“We want everyone to have a safe place to come and get candy,” Ronnie Ward, BGPD public information officer, said. “All they have to do is come through.”

Kid-friendly music blasted throughout the event as 42 companies and families lined their trunks along the path in the back lot. Each station had a different theme, ranging from classic kids’ movies to traditional Halloween decor. 

Greenwood Refrigeration, Inc. brought out a “haunted trailer.” Attendees could enter its green glow, as a small jumpscare from a spider inside awaited them.

“We’re just trying to get more involved in the community, trying to meet new people and have a good time with all the kids,” said Jake Riley, Vice President at Greenwood Refrigeration, Inc. 

Businesses like WBKO, WNKY and Southern Central Crime Stoppers also made appearances. BGPD provided hot dogs, kettle corn and cotton candy at the end of the path. Two fires also stood at the very end of the path, where attendees were able to make their own s’mores.

Melissa Albert, a 40-year-old realtor from Bowling Green, said she brought her kids out to the event to take advantage of the community events that the city provides. Greyson, her 8-year-old son, said his favorite part was the Greenwood Refrigeration, Inc. “haunted trailer.”

“I like how spooky that was,” Greyson said.

Other parts of the Bowling Green government showed out for the event. The Public Works Division brought an excavator with a skeleton hanging from it. It imitated fixing a sinkhole, which is a big issue in Bowling Green, Melanie Shy, a construction coordinator with the Public Works Department, said.

“We do a lot of public outreach, and this is a great way for us to have fun with the kids,” Shy said.