October 26, 2023

Were you at Galilee’s Trunk or Treat on Sunday? It was hard to tell because so many people were in costume. Like who are these two?

Maybe this Galilee members Tom and Susie Newman?

We saw ghosts, ghouls, bumblebees, Jawas, ninjas, ladybugs, Pokemans, princesses…even two deputies from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department (although those were probably not costumes). 

An estimated 200 neighbors came through our parking lot to parade their get-ups and partake of the fun. We had fifteen vehicles decorated and even our church bus was done up as the Magic School Bus, complete with two candy slides operated by the Youth Group.

But if you were too shy to approach any of these vehicles for your candy requirements, Galilee member Jacob Cox had you covered. He manned the air-pump powered Candy Launcher which has been a feature of Galilee’s Trunk or Treats for a number of years. Jacob, now a college student in Florida, built the launcher himself while in middle school and happened to be in town this weekend to operate it. That thing is a marvel that makes it rain Tootsie Rolls and Now ‘n’ Laters all over crowds of delighted kids.

Jacob Cox mans the mighty Candy Launcher

It was windy day, which played havoc with the inflatable animals in Children’s Ministry director Suzie Leftwich’s Noah’s Ark-themed SUV. She didn’t mind, as she still won first prize for her vehicle display. (Was the fix in? You decide). Judges had a fun but challenging task in recognizing the three best costumes and the three best vehicles.

Also there was cornhole, a pumpkin ring toss, and fresh apple cider. The Community Planning Team would like to thank all of the volunteers and participants who made Trunk or Treat a great event.

Check out the pictures!