Brick Revamps Halloween Spooktacular Trunk Or Treat For 2016

Brick, NJ — Parents and children will be greeted with a new and expanded layout for the 2016 Halloween Spooktacular Trunk Or Treat event at the Drum Point Sports Complex, officials said Tuesday night.

In response to complaints that arose during the 2015 event, the Recreation Department is making several changes this year, Councilwoman Heather deJong said.

"We heard complaints that it was too crowded and that big kids were forcing their way in front of younger kids," she said.

To relieve the crowding, deJong said, the area used for the event is being expanded to include spots along the walking trails at the complex. There will be one entrance point to the Trunk or Treat area, and one exit, to make things more orderly, she said.

"It will be much more organized this year," deJong said.

The 2016 Halloween Spooktacular Trunk or Treat is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. There will be a pumpkin patch, a costume parade and awards for the best decorated trunk and the best costume.

People who would like to bring their vehicles to participate in giving out candy should contact the Recreation Department at 732-262-1073 to register their trunks.

The Recreation Department also is seeking donations of bagged candy for the event, which is attended by thousands of children. If you are bringing children to the event, the Recreation Department asks that you bring a bag of candy with you.

Bagged candy also can be donated ahead of time by dropping it off at the Recreation Department office at Civic Plaza, 270 Chambersbridge Road. Office hours for the Recreation Department are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Council Vice President Marianna Pontoriero said she distributed 300 pounds of candy at the event last year.

A decorated trunk at the 2014 Halloween Spooktacular, via Brick Township Municipal Facebook page