SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Johnson College welcomed hundreds of families to its Scranton campus Thursday as it hosted its fourth annual Community Trunk-or-Treat.
Dozens of decorated vehicles lined the upper campus, where college departments, local businesses, community organizations and first responders handed out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Since its launch following the pandemic, the event has grown from approximately 13 vehicles into one of the college’s largest community gatherings. More than 1,200 people attended last year’s celebration, reflecting the event’s growing popularity among locals.
Event organizer, Dr. Natalia Melgarejo, student success and military services coordinator, said the event continues to attract more families each year while providing a welcoming environment for residents to experience the campus.
“Every year we get bigger. Every year we panic a little more about how many people we’re going to have, only because it’s so many people on campus. But we love it. The kids love it. And it’s a safe space for our students to bring their siblings. It’s a safe space for the community to bring their kids to our Trunk-or-Treat. And it gives you a chance to come to Johnson College, check it out and see what we have here on campus,” said Melgarejo.
College departments got creative with their own themed displays. The enrollment team brought Ghostbusters to life, while academic advising featured the Great Pumpkin. Other displays ranged from Paw Patrol by the veterinary department to an Under the Sea theme by computer technologies and a haunted house by property maintenance.
With participants given free rein to get creative with their designs, attendees had a chance to vote for their favorite displays, with trophies awarded at the end of the evening. College departments also competed for an internal traveling trophy, adding some friendly rivalry to the festivities.