SUNDERLAND — With its first-ever trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 25, the owner of Bub’s BBQ in Sunderland hopes to build community for both the children and local businesses.
“I noticed that there is not much for the kids in the area to do. Even during Halloween, most kids in our town only have certain spots to go and get treats,” explained owner Andrew Garlo. “I also thought that it would be great to involve the businesses in the town to participate.”
Among the nearly two dozen trunks currently signed up are the Sunderland Police and Fire departments, Better Together Dog Rescue, White Lion Brewing, Sunderland Library and Banchan Korean Deli. The planned themes include the movies “Jaws,” “Super Mario Bros.” and a witch-themed car with rubber ducks in a bubbling cauldron.
“It’s going to be a great event for all ages as we have candy and toys for the kids and beer tastings for the adults,” noted Garlo.
In addition to gathering treats from each of the decorated trunks, participants can paint pumpkins, with pumpkins and paint provided, and munch on cookies and desserts.
The event has garnered a positive response around town, especially from the Sunderland PTO who have expressed happiness that the children have an opportunity to enjoy their costumes and get candy in a safe way.
“I look forward to having everyone from around the town join in on supporting our kids and showing off their businesses,” explained Garlo. “Here in Sunderland, we are a small town that needs to support each other and come together as a community. This event will be a great start for much bigger things that I hope to do in the town with the support of the residents of Sunderland and the surrounding towns.”
Garlo hopes that this will become a yearly event and just one of many that the town hosts to bring the community together and bring more people to the town.
“Bubs celebrated its 45th year of being open and as we get closer to the 50th anniversary, we want to keep events like this going and bring more people to the town and get to meet the businesses that are here,” said Garlo. “Small businesses need to come together, help each other out and support each other. That’s how we can grow and work on bringing more business to our area. With events like our trunk-or-treat night, we can showcase the local businesses that help towns like Sunderland succeed and grow.”
The trunk or treat will begin at 5 p.m. and end around 7 p.m., or when the last person is done, in the restaurant’s parking lot and is free to all participants. Bub’s BBQ is located at 676 Amherst Rd. in Sunderland.
