Cherokee Elementary School families in Liberty Township have until Thursday, Oct. 22, to RSVP for the school's Trunk or Treat.

The event runs Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cherokee Elementary, according to the school's announcement. Each student attending must be accompanied by a decorated trunk and at least 200 pieces of candy or snacks. Families can RSVP through an online form linked on the school's website.

The PTA-organized evening includes dancing, games and five contests: Best Trunk Design, Best Family Costume, Scariest Kid Costume, Funniest Kid Costume and Cutest Kid Costume. A panel of PTA members and faculty will pick winners, with results announced at 7:30 p.m.

Cherokee Elementary, led by Principal Mike Stapleton, serves grades 3 through 6 and enrolls 791 students in the Lakota Local School District. The school said a standout trunk design can be assembled from items already around the house.

High school students looking for community service hours can volunteer at the event and receive authorized letters at the end of the night. A separate volunteer sign-up form is available through the school. The volunteer angle makes the event a draw beyond Cherokee families, giving older Lakota students a way to log service time while helping younger kids trick-or-treat in a supervised setting.

The Trunk or Treat is separate from the township-wide trick-or-treat night. West Chester Township and Liberty Township both set their official trick-or-treat hours for Saturday, Oct. 31, as we reported Oct. 8.

The Cherokee Elementary PTA also holds its monthly meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in the Cherokee Innovation HUB, two days before the Trunk or Treat.

What to know

  • What: Cherokee Elementary Trunk or Treat
  • When: Friday, Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m.
  • Where: Cherokee Elementary School, Liberty Township
  • RSVP deadline: Thursday, Oct. 22
  • Bring: Decorated trunk and 200-plus pieces of candy or snacks per student
  • Contests announced: 7:30 p.m.
  • Volunteers: High school students can earn service hours; sign up through the school's online form