Trunk or Treat Lebanon style a ghoulish success

An unidentified zebra clutches their swag bag at Saturday's Trunk or Treat event at Lebanon Elementary School. (Georgianna Allen photos)

Amberlynn Hubert, 5, of Lebanon in front of 'Frozen' display with her younger friend.

LEBANON - When Georgianna Allen started Lebanon's Trunk or Treat event four years ago and 500 kids showed up, she knew the town had an appetite for a safe, fun Halloween event.

Time has proved her right.

On Saturday night about 500 kids showed up as usual, and while the number of youngsters attending has stayed steady, the number of cars decorating their trunks with spooky displays has grown steadily.

In all, 24 vehicles lined the horseshoe driveway and side parking lot of the Lebanon Elementary School with intricate and imaginative displays, including depictions of the film "Frozen," graveyards scenes and of course, a host of zombies. There was even the old "dead body in the trunk" routine.

The long, two-hour line of costumed spooks and goblins began their scary journey inside the LES gym where there was a bounce house and other activities. Then they walked out of the school's front door and began their parade past the two dozen vehicles set up to scare the heck out of them and give them candy.

The body in the trunk display was a crowd favorite.

Many vehicle displays ran out of candy, but Allen was ready with extra donated treats to keep the little devils, ghouls and goblins happy.

Some of the cars involved included Lebanon American Legion Post 218, First Parish Congregational Church, Somersworth Kia and Tri-City Drywall.

All House 20 hopefuls were also on hand for the event, including Lebanon Voice owner and write-in candidate Harrison Thorp, Karen Gerrish and Bettie Harris-Howard.

Allen said the focus of the event has always been the same.

"It's all about safety," Allen said on Saturday. "But it's also about fun, too."

Allen said she couldn't have put on the event without the help of a core group of dedicated volunteers including Jeffrey Cameron, Carina Cameron, Lily Friar, Diego Diaz and Mateo Diaz.

Disco Stu from "The Simpson's" was putting on a show.