Hundreds of Families attend the NSYMCA Fall Fest ‘Trunk or Treat"

Northbrook, IL; October 2024; On Oct 13th, hundreds of people attended the North Suburban’s YMCA’s annual Fall Fest ‘Trunk or Treat’ event located in Northbrook. In its second year, the featured attraction was a parking lot full of ‘Trunk or Treat’ participants who gave out candy and provided games to event guests. With over 20+ elaborately decorated cars and 10+ local vendors, the Y parking lot was buzzing with creativity and enjoyment for all.

The afternoon also included a costume contest for youth, as well as a Most Creative Vehicle Contest for the ‘Trunk or Treat’ portion of the event. Participation in the ‘Trunk or Treat’ was free for most groups and it included families in the community, Y members, non-for-profit groups like Rotary Club of Northbrook, The Harbour, Boys and Girls Club, and local businesses.

This year guests were greeted by Congressman Brad Schneider, who not only mingled with participants and emceed the Y Costume Contest but helped at the ticket booth for part of the event. Six winners were awarded with winner medals including a 2-year-old in a homemade “ET phone home” costume, a 9-year-old as an old lady, a boy in a fully boxed pink “Ken” costume and families that came dressed in full assembles from Toy Story, the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale and one family as an array of farm animals complete in a homemade red barn.

“Free events for families are one of the many ways our Y gives back to the community,” said Kathy Fielding, NSYMCA CEO. “Despite the windy weather conditions that day, the attendance was amazing, so our trunk or treat is here to stay. The Y is truly a place for everyone, and I couldn’t be prouder of this event and the happiness it brought to so many families and generations,” continued Fielding.

In addition to the costume contest, three winners won for the ‘Trunk or Treat’ Most Creative Vehicle contest. The 1st place trophy went to Rob and Pam Tichy from Northbrook with their Harry Potter theme, complete with the wizard costumes, wands, caldrons and more.

Other winners included the Cartier Family from Deerfield with a colorful crayon theme and the Northbrook business, Chicago Mind Solutions, placed 2nd for their brightly colored vehicle from the movie Inside Out. Their theme included stacked characters of Anger, Jealousy, Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anxiety and more, allowing the children to pick their favorite feeling for the day. Chicago Mind Solutions, a sponsor of the Y event and licensed specialists who assist children and adults in overcoming various mental health challenges through neuropsychological testing and neurofeedback therapy.

“This is the first time our company has showcased at a Y event, and WOW was it a success,” exclaimed Meredith Ade, Community Outreach Manager from Chicago Mind Solutions. “The Y is such a special place for families, and we were so excited to show-off our creative Trunk or Treat Vehicle. Our beliefs at Chicago Mind Solutions are similar to the Y’s, we want families to be healthy both physically and mentally.”

Events like the NSYMCA’s Fall Fest are not possible without donations and support from local businesses. This year’s Fall Fest sponsors included Allstate, Bach to Rock, Celebree School of Northbrook, Chicago Mind Solutions, Culver’s Northbrook, Heal N’ Cure, Highpoint Planning Partners, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Renewal by Anderson, Rover’s Place, Wintrust Community Banks & Waterway Carwash. Other participating vendors included All American Gutter Protection, Carris for Congress, Offices of Rep Katz-Muhl, Nicor Gas, Wayfarer Theatres and more.

Culver’s of Northbrook also donated frozen custard concretes to help the YMCA fundraise for their financial assistance program.

For more information to sponsor or participate in other events at the NSYMCA please contact Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investment and Events at Knyren@nsymca.org, or visit nsymca.org.

The NSYMCA ensures everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y never turns anyone away due to the inability to pay. Proceeds from sponsors and vendor participation help support free community events like Fall Fest, as well as help support financial aid for families in need.

About the North Suburban

YMCA The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.