Jacob Cullum
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Fall weather and family fun filled the air over the Halloween weekend at Rock Hill’s Emmanuel Church of Nazarene for their annual Fall Festival, which included a “trunk-or-treat” event for people of all ages.

Head pastor Jonathan Pannell said the event is often well attended.

“Here at the church, we have all been looking forward to this. Not only is it fun for the children, but it allows all members of the church to come together as a community. I am thankful for the turnout and the weather, as basically everything has gone according to plan,” said Pannell. “I always enjoy events like these where we can come together.”

Instead of traditional trick-or-treating from house to house, those in attendance decorated the trunks of their vehicles and pulled them into a field beside the church to give out candy.

“I love seeing all the kids in their costumes and it just brings a smile to my face to see everyone here happy and having a good time,” said Sibby Richardson, a member of the church.

“I think it is so much fun to do this instead of normal trick-or-treating,” said Dana Plikaytis, who attended with her husband and two children. “Not only is it much safer, but it is so much less walking.”

The event also featured food tents, games, live music and film screenings.

York County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark McCarter brought his horse named “Cochise,” who was popular with the kids.

“We just come out to interact with the public and let the kids come up and see a real live police horse and they can pet him. Of course, tons of them ask to ride but I can’t let them ride my patrol car,” joked McCarter. “We’ve had a mounted unit since 2010 and Cochise here is the original member of the unit.”

Proceeds from the event benefited the church.