The evening of Friday, October 31st, saw the streets and parking lots of Hancock come alive as the community gathered en masse for the annual Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat, hosted by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. According to the event announcement, line-up began at 4:45 p.m. in front of Hancock High School, with the parade stepping off at 5:00 p.m., followed immediately by the Trunk or Treat in the elementary school parking lot.
A Night of Community, Costumes & Candy
From toddlers toddling in pumpkin suits to grandparents cheering from the sidelines, the turnout was impressive—hundreds of participants filled the sidewalk and parking lot. The parade route wended its way through the heart of town, bringing families, neighbors and local businesses together in festive fashion. Immediately following, the Trunk or Treat offered decorated vehicle “trunks” full of candy, games and Halloween flair—each car a mini-booth of wholesome fun.
What stood out was the sense of genuine community:
Children waving at motorists as the parade passed.
Local organizations and clubs joining in with creative costumes or handouts.
Parents and volunteers working the trunk stations, offering sweets while ensuring a safe, organized setup.
The vibe was upbeat and inclusive—everyone was encouraged to participate, per the original announcement. People even brought out their dogs in costume to join in on the fun.
Why Events Like This Matter
In an era when many community traditions are scaled back or cancelled, this gathering reaffirmed Hancock’s commitment to connection and celebration. It was more than candy and costumes—it was a reminder that place + people still matter.
Building bonds: New families and longtime residents mingled, bridging gaps and reinforcing local identity.
Supporting youth: Many of the volunteers were students, local teachers or parents—giving young people a role in planning and turnout.
Adding safe fun: The controlled environment of parade + Trunk or Treat provided a safe alternative to unsupervised trick-or-treating, especially in a small-town setting.
A Look Through the Lens
Below is a gallery of images captured by the Hancock Herald—memorable moments that illustrate the joy, spark and community energy of the evening. A full photo gallery via Hancock Herald can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GzRdiyP7X/
Thank You & What’s Next
A big thank-you to the Hancock Community Education Foundation and everyone who had a hand in organizing, volunteering, decorating trunks, or simply showing up in costume and contagious enthusiasm.
Looking ahead: With such strong turnout this year, the momentum is here to make next year’s event even bigger. Hancock showed up in vibrant fashion proving that community gatherings matter, and Halloween can bring out the best of small-town togetherness.