For those who aren’t all that sure what the first part of “trick or treat” is supposed to mean, the name of an event of increasingly growing popularity makes more sense.

Shaler started a Halloween tradition in 2020, as pandemic-related precautions started to ease, with the township’s first Trunk or Treat. Basically, folks park in a lot and give away goodies outside of their cars’ seasonally adorned trunks — SUV hatches and pickup truck beds work well, too — to costumed kids as they stroll by.

Some 70 vehicles participated in this year’s event, held Oct. 12 in Kiwanis Park with about 400 “treaters” in attendance, according to Shaler finance director Amanda Jennings. She said she was excited to see such a large turnout, as she made her way around the lot greeting guests and taking photos.

As posted on the township’s Facebook page:

“There were SO many creative and wonderfully decorated trunks — we wish we could give everyone an award! Thank you to every single person, family and group who volunteered their time and resources to make tonight fantastic!”