MADISON – The ghosts will be chilling (but friendly), and the candy will be decadent and free for the taking when Hogan Family YMCA presents its fourth annual Trunk or Treat festivities on Oct. 12.

Heart of the Valley YMCA and Hogan Family YMCA are hosting the event. The trunk-or-treat day is free to the public, and the Y staff expects more than 1,000 children will attend.

The good-natured thrills and chills will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. “We will have plenty of games, photo opportunities, and, of course, candy! Join us in making this event ‘fab-boo-lus’ for our community,” Hogan Family YMCA contact Molly Frankenberg said.

The idea for the ‘trunk or treat’ venue to celebrate the antics of Halloween grew from a backlash after poisoning and sabotage of Halloween treats/candy in the 1970s and 1980s. Parents wanted a safer, controlled environment in which their children could enjoy the just-for-fun holiday while minimizing any danger.

Instead of braving the weather and possible risks, children can grab candy and treat from opened car trunks, brimming full of treats from generous volunteers.

“If you want to participate, but do not want to decorate a trunk, please donate bags of individually wrapped candy or non-food items such as temporary tattoos, bouncy balls and other small toy items,” Frankenburg said.

To volunteer as a ‘trunk,’ complete the form at https://forms.gle/mb9NDnd3Ur7rZag46.

The Hogan staff expects trunk volunteers to bring a vehicle to the event, along with candy to give away. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicle and distribute candy from the trunk, truck bed or other section of the vehicle. ‘Trunkers’ should stay for the entire event, which ends at 5 p.m.

“If you are representing a business, you may bring materials related to the organization to disperse to participants,” Frankenberg said. Volunteers can set up from 2 to 3 p.m. All volunteers must finish spaces completely by 3 p.m.

For event details, call 256-705-9622 or email hillary.franklin@ymcahuntsville.org or molly.frankenberg@ymcahuntsville.org.

Hogan Family YMCA offers wellness programs, group exercise classes, a Cybex fitness center, indoor swimming pool, youth sports, basketball gym, indoor track, children’s day camp and swimming lessons.

Hogan Family YMCA’s address is 130 Park Square Lane in Madison. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 256-705-9622 or visit ymcahuntsville.org.