Early Halloween at Triton College with ‘Trunk-or-Treat in Space’

Halloween arrives early at Triton College. Children, dressed in costumes, will gather treats at the third annual Trunk-or-Treat in Space. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on October 10, outside the Cernan Earth and Space Center, located at 2000 5th Ave. in River Grove. This free, drop-in event requires no reservations.

Approximately 15 cars will be colorfully decorated and parked in the Cernan Center’s lot, ready to distribute candy and other giveaways. Tina Lilly, director of Business Services for Triton College, explained the event’s origins. “This started about three years ago and is hosted and sponsored by the Alumni Association,” Lilly said. The event grew from a survey among alumni seeking fun, safe, and free activities for their kids, aligning with the trend of trunk-or-treat events.

Alumni willingly contribute by decorating their cars and distributing treats to kids in costume. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a free, Halloween-themed space show at the Cernan Center. Lilly noted that the partnership with the Cernan Center enables trunk-or-treaters to watch a short space show lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

The event has been successful since its inception, drawing over 500 attendees in both previous years. “We aim to bring our alumni and community friends back to campus,” Lilly explained. Costume participation is a family affair, as many parents join their children in dressing up.

Showtimes in the Planetarium will be available at 11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Kris Kovach McCall, director of the Cernan Center, highlights the opportunity for everyone to experience the Planetarium with these free 20-minute presentations. Planetarium educator Jordan Jubeck designed the show to merge space themes with humor and lasers, providing a memorable experience.

Jubeck aims to connect Halloween with astronomy during the show, discussing celestial aspects and phenomena like the death of stars, ending with a laser segment. McCall emphasizes that the Planetarium is enjoyed by children and adults alike, resonating with anyone fascinated by space, dinosaurs, and science.

Beyond the shows, visitors can explore the Cernan Center building, including the exhibit hall and Star Store gift shop, which offers a 10% discount on purchases during the event. The trunk-or-treat activity proceeds rain or shine, moving indoors if necessary.

Myrna Petlicki reports as a freelance writer for Pioneer Press.