Treats, no tricks at Safe Halloween

Three miniature Batman impersonators ran down the sidewalk of North Jordan Avenue, their capes flapping behind them in the wind.

Breathless, they arrived at their destination in front of Sigma Delta Tau.

“Trick or treat!” they shouted in unison, reaching tiny masked hands into orange plastic pumpkins filled with candy.

These Bruce Wayne alter egos were only a few of the Bloomington trick-or-treaters who came for IU’s seventh annual Safe Halloween.

The event was organized by the Panhellenic Association in collaboration with the Interfraternity Council, Multi-Cultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic
Council.

Erika Piquero, event coordinator and vice president of community involvement for IU’s Panhellenic Association, said she was happy with the turnout from both Bloomington families and greek members. Fifty-nine greek chapters came to the houses located on the North Jordan extension to hand out candy.

Piquero worked for more than a month to plan the four-council event, which she viewed as an important partnership between the greek and local communities.

“This is a really exciting event for the Bloomington community,” Piquero said. “It’s a fun and safe way for the Bloomington youth to engage with the greek community.”

The trick-or-treating began at Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Xi Delta, and continued up the extension.

The IU Police Department blocked off both ends of the Jordan extension and helped the trick-or-treaters cross the street.

Despite the cold weather, the costumed sorority and fraternity members were
enthusiastic.

Shouts of “Happy Halloween” could be heard up and down the street.
Four greek members dressed as the Teletubbies danced to music blaring from the sorority houses.

Lindsay Jansen, president of Delta Zeta, worked the event for the second time.

“Everyone’s pretty excited to be out here,” Jansen said. “It’s great to see the greek community come together, and the kids are adorable.”

Four-year-old Ava and 7-year-old Kaitie Robertson came dressed as kittens, bundled up in coats and Hello Kitty hats.

“She’s the momma cat,” Kaitie said, pointing to her mom, Heidi Robertson. 

It was their second year coming to the event, Heidi Robertson, said.

“The girls enjoy it,” Heidi said. “It’s a safe environment. They do a good job of controlling the cars and everyone is friendly, and the Halloween costumes aren’t too scary.”

That is important, because Ava said she loves everything about Halloween “except the scary stuff.”

“I just love the candy,” her sister Kaitie said.

At the end of the night, the pair of kittens displayed their stash.

With her bag filled with treats, Ava announced her plans for the rest of the
evening.

“My feet can’t walk anymore,” Ava said. “I just want to eat my candy.”