Belfast, ME, October 20, 2024

For two hours on Sunday afternoon, October 19, the Waldo County YMCA parking lot looked like a set from a Hollywood Halloween Extravaganza. More than 1100 children and their families trick or treated through 37 “trunk stops” and one Hogwarts Haunted Trailer, courtesy of Mathews Brothers Windows. At the end, each person had the chance to vote for their favorite trunk and Pumpkin in Waterfall Arts’ Great Pumpkin Pageant. Laden with treats at the end, many expressed their gratitude to the weather gods for the sunshine and to the Y staff and many volunteers for putting on the event.

Red and white stripes abounded as many staff and volunteers dressed up as Waldo from “Where’s Waldo”.

Faith Boynton, WCY Childcare Director and Trunk or Treat organizer, radiated excitement and relief about the day saying, “It takes a Village. Every year, it’s a push to bring everyone together for the event and every year, it is worth it! 37 trunks lined the parking lot this year, including 19 from local businesses and organizations. I am so grateful to everyone who made the day such a success!”

Bridget Matros, Waterfall Arts Kids and Families Program Manager, oversaw the Great Pumpkin Pageant, which had about 25 entries. She noted, “Our event is a first voting experience for lots of kids – we love it!... Thank you to all who participated, especially the young artists who shared their work.”

Russell Werkman, the CEO of the Waldo County YMCA, thanked everyone involved for helping to create a fun, safe, Halloween environment for children: “We are so fortunate to have so many people and businesses invested in giving children opportunities to be kids! We could not do what we do in this community without our many donors, especially our Sustaining Sponsors. Viking Lumber, Consumers Fuel, Camden National Bank, First National Bank, Robbins Lumber, and Ridge Maine make it possible for us to be the community hub we are. They make the answer to ‘Where’s Waldo?’ a resounding, ‘Right here!’”

The free yearly event gives children (and some adults!) the chance to dress up, practice talking with strangers, and have some Halloween fun with their neighbors.

Trunk Awards:

Fan Favorite: Bangor Savings (Super Mario)

Fan Favorite: J. Johnson (Where’s Waldo Starbucks)

Most Creative: S. Maheu (Toon Town)

Most Original: K. Allen (Pyramid and Mummy)

Most Detailed: K. Payson (Classic Halloween)

Most Detailed: Consumers Fuel (Jurassic Park)

Above and Beyond: Mathew’s Brothers (Hogwarts)

About the WCY

The WCY serves Waldo County as the hub for healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

In May of 1977, the WCY was created as a force for good in the community. The WCY’s mission is to promote the physical, mental, social and spiritual development of Waldo County children and families.