Longing to see a lifeguard getting eaten by a whale, a princess on her quest to find her long-lost prince, or even Winnie the Pooh looking for honey? Look no further than Hillsdale College’s annual trunk-or-treat event. 

Started in 2020 by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the trunk-or-treat event serves as one of the many highlights of fall in Hillsdale.

There were more than 35 cars for kids to trick-or-treat at. Numerous Greek sororities, dorms, and other student groups decorated their trunks in the George C. Roche Sports Complex parking lot. As kids from the Hillsdale community filtered in with their families, their bags quickly went from empty to overflowing with candy.

Many kids had opinions on their preferred candies.

“Milk Duds are my favorite candy,” 7-year-old Maggie Cote, dressed up as Cinderella, said.

But her sister begged to differ. 

“My favorite candy is Whoppers,” 13-year-old Lucy Cote, dressed up as Eyeore, said. 

Unlike most Halloween events that take place late at night, this event took place on a crisp and sunny Sunday afternoon. As kids went from trunk to trunk, college students saw a mix of both cute and crazy costumes. A dog dressed up as a hot dog, characters from Narnia, and a toddler dressed up as a mini Yoda were some of the many costumes.

Mom to Maggie and Lucy, Hillsdale College Art Director Shanna Cote, said the first thing she thinks about when she hears the word fall are the leaves.

“Michigan is so beautiful when it comes to the foliage here,” Cote said.

This event also supports a cause.

“One of our main purposes for SAAC is to raise money for Make-A-Wish. Although this is a free event, we are accepting donations to Make A Wish,” senior Tyler Conrad said.