Halloween fun, a warm welcome for pets found at Pet Blessing, Trunk or Treat

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
The Tolle family came out for a full day of fun on Oct. 20 at the Trunk or Treat and Pet Blessing event at the Roscoe United Methodist Church.

By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Ghosts, goblins, Spiderman, witches, clowns, sharks and men from outer space were some of the Halloween costumes spotted on the grounds of Roscoe United Methodist Church on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Under bright, sunny skies large crowds poured in to an event full of fun options for humans and pets. The afternoon opened with a pet meet and greet followed by a pet blessing.
A short service was held prior to friendly pets that were on site receiving a warm welcome and a blessing given by Pastor Lisa Abb of the First Congregational Community Church. Some opted to have a blessing given over a picture of their pet. A total of 15 dogs and one turtle were blessed.
Loads of laughter was heard as a Candy sling Shot caused candy to fly through the air. After it hit the ground excited young ones scrambled to pick up the best of whatever they could grab after it landed. More fun was had a mini putt game run by two adult superheroes.
A photo booth was set up with a special guest. Gail Brady of the RUMC Paw Patrol held a turtle as little ones paid a visit.
Smiles were created as 150 children along with their families searched 36 car trunks loaded with candy, toys surprises or both. Each trunk carried a different theme. Some had a full on Halloween theme such as extra-large cobwebs or were decked out in full Halloween splendor.
Lollipops and ice cream cones proved to be an eye-catching backdrop. Another trunk captured great attention as a bubble machine put out a solid stream of bubbles. A 50’s theme trunk featured a backdrop and records of that era. Keeping with football fun was a Bears themed trunk.
“Letters to Santa” proved to be a popular hot spot as well as the Limke family assisting trunk or treaters with a fishing game where anything could be picked out. Even pets had the chance to go trick or treating with specific locations offering pet goodies.
Roscoe Police and Fire Departments also got in on the action. The Fire Department gave out pink hats.
The event was Co-chaired by Tracy Terry, Sunday School Superintendent at First Congregational Community Church and Noel Hodge, Director of Family Services at the RUMC. The First Congregational Church and the Roscoe United Methodist Church teamed up to make everything come to life. Each organizer shared in planning responsibilities resulting in a wonderful, family fun event.
“This year we did a larger scale Trunk or Treat than has been done in the past at RUMC and the pet blessing was added for the very first time,” Tracy Terry said. She adds, “We weren’t sure what to expect, but we were thrilled with the turnout.”
As an outreach toward helping others guests were asked to bring dog or cat food donations for Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry. New toys and financial donations were also accepted.Kibble Korner is in great need of food as it goes through 4,000-6,000 Lbs. of food a month. Both Kibble Korner and Pampered Paws Mobile Pet Grooming took part in the day’s action.
Spooktakular Halloween memories were made at the 2019 Pet blessing and Trunk or Treat event!