Safe Halloween brings greeks, kids together

Hannah Montana ran by Superman as a cow sat in its stroller, peeking into a plastic pumpkin.

This was the scene at Wednesday’s Safe Halloween.

Hosted by all four greek councils, the Panhellenic Association, Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council and the National Panhellenic Council, Safe Halloween provided families a worry-free environment to trick-or-treat. The North Jordan extension closed so kids and their parents could walk from house to house to get candy. Jesse Steinfeldt, an IU professor, said he decided to come to the event because he attended last year and also knows students involved.

“It’s a cool community-building activity,” Steinfeldt said. “It’s a warm environment for kids.”

Each house on the extension grouped with other greek organizations and coordinated costumes. Some dressed as athletes and cheerleaders, while others wore full animal suits. Gamma Phi Beta member and sophomore Marissa Posteraro said she received community service hours for helping with Safe Halloween. They also had to buy candy and make pies for kids to throw in students’ faces.

“It’s great volunteering. We love the kids,” Posteraro said.

She also said seeing the kids in costumes made her miss trick-or-treating.

Children carried around bags and buckets to be filled with candy just like they would on Halloween night. Instead of knocking on doors, they received treats from greek members in front of each house. Panhellenic Association President Sara Stombaugh said the greek houses impressed the kids. Some referred to houses as “castles.”

“It’s neat for them to see greek life,” Stombaugh said. “It gives them someone to look up to on IU’s campus.”

Bloomington resident Todd Lindley said he liked the enthusiastic atmosphere of the campus.

“I love how the college kids interact with the little kids,” Lindley said.

Amy McAfee, who just moved from Missouri to Bloomington, said she heard about the event from Lindley.

“Todd and his wife told me how fun it was last year,” McAfee said. “I love the things IU and Bloomington have to offer.”

McAfee also said the safety factor of Safe Halloween is important, and the night made her nostalgic for how Halloween used to be.

“Halloween’s changed so much,” McAfee said. “Everyone’s afraid to go door to door.”

Safe Halloween, which started in 1999, is not the only alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. College Mall will also host a Safe Halloween event Friday.

Both Steinfeldt and Lindley said they will still take their kids trick-or-treating Friday, but Lindley said there is one other perk to attending IU’s Safe Halloween besides ensured safety.

“They get more candy today,” he said.