In addition to going door to door this Halloween season, trick-or-treaters searching for candy can collect treats along the McCoy’s Creek Trail during the 12th annual Trek or Treat in Buchanan.

During Trek-or-Treat, trick-or-treaters are invited to dress in costume and travel a section of the five-mile McCoy’s Creek Trail, where volunteers will hand out candy.

The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Trick or treating can be found along a section of the trail beginning at Schirmer Parkway. The event is free and open to the public. The trail is paved and handicapped accessible.

To continue the event, the Friends of the McCoy’s Creek Trail Board, who sponsor the Trek-or-Treat, need some help from the community.

The organization is asking for residents to donate candy for the event.  Donations can be made during regular business hours at the Buchanan City Hall, 302 Red Bud Trail and Red Bud Insurance agency, 110 Main St. Candy will be collected through Oct. 27 and must be individually wrapped. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

Wayne Writer is an event organizer and 10-year board member for the Friends of the McCoy’s Creek Trail. The board helps to assure that the trail remains safe and accessible, while also utilizing the trail for an array of community events.

With the chance for hundreds to dress up in costume and traverse the wooded McCoy’s Creek Trail, where a number of fall leaf colors will be on display, Writer said the event is great for families.

“It’s the sweetest deal in town. It is just a fun event,” Writer said.  “The kids get super excited.”

Last year, fair weather drew a record breaking 2,000 people to the trail for Trek or Treat. While Writer does not know if they will have the same amount of people this year, he said board members want to be prepared and have as much candy as possible. Typically, the event draws between 800 and 900 people.

Each year, between 20 to 25 volunteers sign up to dress in costume and help hand out candy. So far, 10 to 12 people have signed up this year to participate, including members of the Buchanan Scarecrow Charity and The Link. Interested volunteers can contact Writer to sign up. Scary costumes are not permitted and volunteers must sign up before the event.

In addition to providing a fun and free activity for local families, Writer said safety is also an important feature. Four reserve officers will be on hand to assist during the event.

In the past Writer said one event issue has been providing adequate parking space for the number of people who flock to the event. To help with the situation this year, Writer said there will be two available parking lots, one at 821 E. Front St. and 816 E. Third St., in Buchanan.

Also new to the trail this year, dogs will not be allowed on the trail.

Without the efforts of Buchanan Public Works, who help to keep the trail clear, as well as the city and dozens of volunteers, the event would not be possible, Writer said.

“It’s truly a community effort,” Writer said.

He encouraged the community to support the event by providing candy to a worthy cause.

“It makes a great day for the kids,” Writer said. “It is a nice opportunity to do something for the community.”

For more information, call Writer at (269) 240-5000.