TULSA, Okla.–Credit unions have again opened the crypt this year to reveal both tricks and treats (mostly treats) in conjunction with Halloween, with activities and sponsorship ranging from events at the zoo to trunk-or-treats to loan and checking account offers and more. Here’s just some of what credit unions have brewed up in the CU-ldron this year.
In Tulsa, a “HallowZOOeen” Event
HallowZOOeen presented by Oklahoma Central Credit Union began on Oct. 24. The annual spooky, but not-too-scary Halloween experience hosted by the Tulsa Zoo is in its 37th year, raising funds for zoo operations.
Guests can choose their adventure: not-too-scary daytime sessions or the spookier nighttime sessions with special-effect lighting.
“HallowZOOeen presented by Oklahoma Central Credit Union is all about bringing families together for a safe Halloween celebration filled with themed activities, candy, carnival and arcade games and just the right amount of spooky, but not-too-scary fun,” said Tulsa Zoo Vice President of Philanthropy Megan Meussner. “We’re proud to welcome families from across the region to make lasting memories and celebrate the season with the Tulsa Zoo.”
Numerous CUs Sponsoring Trunk or Treats
Numerous credit unions are sponsoring or participating in “Trunk or Treat” events, including:
- Park Community Credit Union in Louisville, which hosted its annual Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat on , Oct. 25 at its Blankenbaker Parkway headquarters. The free event featured decorated vehicle trunks, candy and other seasonal activities.
- BrightStar Credit Union in Cooper City, Fla. hosted its annual Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 23, at its headquarters. Families were greeted by decorated vehicles, music, games, activities and candy.
- Suncoast Credit Union in Florida hosted its third annual Trunk-Or-Treat on Oct. 24 at its Metro Parkway location. The event featured decorated trunks, candy, raffles and a food truck.
- Utilities Employees Credit Union in Pennsylvania scheduled simultaneous trunk-or-treat celebrations at its Stroudsburg and Wyomissing locations on Oct. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Both free events offered refreshments, giveaways, prizes and candy.
- Progressions Credit Union, Spokane, Wash., hosted a free trunk-or-treat Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Nevada Street location. Attendees could vote for their favorite decorated trunk, while a coffee truck offered beverages for purchase.
- Security First Federal Credit Union in Edinburg, Texas on Oct. 31 will host its Block Party Trunks & Treats celebration featuring inflatable attractions, face painting, a petting zoo and candy. The credit union is also promoting a costume competition and a chance to win cruise certificates for two people. The free event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- In Ohio, Homeland Credit Union partnered with US Paper Mill for an Oct. 20 community trunk-or-treat in Chillicothe. The event was advertised as featuring decorated vehicles, costumes, candy, food trucks and music from a live DJ. Participants decorating vehicle trunks were eligible to compete for a $500 cash prize. “Trunk or Treat events provide a safe and enjoyable way for families to celebrate Halloween while bringing together local businesses, organizations, and community members,” said Briana Hood, Homeland’s director of marketing and community development, in the announcement.
Classic Cars and Halloween Mazes
Some credit unions are putting a distinctive twist on the traditional Halloween celebration.
In Burbank, Calif., UMe Credit Union held its fourth annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Instead of ordinary vehicles, the event featured classic cars decorated with Halloween displays, including spiders, skeletons and other spooky accessories.
The celebration, held at the credit union’s Magnolia Boulevard location, also featured two food trucks. Admission and trick-or-treating were free, with food available for purchase.
“Sometimes that’s helping someone reach a financial goal, and sometimes it’s filling our parking lot with classic cars and Halloween candy!” said Anita Hutchinson, UMe’s chief marketing officer, told myBurbank.
Also in California, AltaOne Credit Union held multiple events, including:
- An Oct. 24 trunk-or-treat at its Kernville branch.
- An Oct. 27 trunk-or-treat at its Ming branch.
- An Oct. 30 Halloween Spooktacular in Ridgecrest, featuring candy, trunk-or-treat activities and a Halloween maze.
The events also included games, costumes and other family activities, according to AltaOne.
A Not-So-Frightening Experience
Financial Treats
Not all of the Halloween activities involve candy and costumes. Some credit unions are using the season to promote financial products and encourage account openings.
Iowa Heartland Credit Union announced a “Spooktacular Savings Loan Special” on Oct. 15, offering a limited-time promotion on loans for cars, trucks, boats and recreational vehicles. The promotion runs through Oct. 31.
Everwise Credit Union in Indiana tied a checking account promotion to Harvest Nights at Newfields in Indianapolis, a seasonal attraction featuring illuminated displays and Halloween-themed experiences.
Under the promotion, new checking account holders who opened and funded eligible accounts at participating central Indiana branches by Oct. 16 could receive two complimentary tickets to Harvest Nights. The offer was limited to 75 pairs of tickets, with the attraction continuing through Nov. 1.
Harris County Federal Credit Union is running a Halloween-themed promotion that includes opportunities to win a $50 gas card for opening or referring qualifying auto loans or credit cards during October. There was also a prize drawing in which members can receive a surprise from a bag containing tricks and treats.
Pumpkins, Prizes, Competitions & More
In Utah, Elevate Credit Union is hosting its first Pumpkin Decorating Contest, inviting members to submit photographs of pumpkins they have carved, painted or otherwise decorated.
The contest runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, with winners scheduled to be announced Nov. 2.
Other credit unions are supporting Halloween celebrations organized by municipalities, chambers of commerce and other community group
Among the announced activities:
- Southland Credit Union, Los Alamitos, Calif., was the presenting sponsor of the city’s Oct. 24 Trunk or Treat celebration at Little Cottonwood Park. The credit union also sponsored a free pumpkin patch. Activities include carnival games, costume contests for children, families and pets, a train ride and inflatable attractions.
- GENCO Federal Credit Union in Hewitt, Texas and the city of Hewitt presented the 12th annual Creekside Spooktacular Halloween Bash on Oct. 28 at Warren Park. The event included trick-or-treating, costume competitions, games and food trucks. The first 300 children were expected to receive bags containing various giveaways.
- The Family Credit Union in Moline, Ill.: sponsored the city’s seventh annual Spooktacular Trunk or Treat on Oct. 23 at the Greenvalley Softball Complex. The free event included decorated trunks, candy, entertainment and a costume contest.
- Fox Communities Credit Union in Wisconsin sponsored several Halloween-related activities, including Halloween at the Castle in Appleton and the Pulaski Pumpkin Palooza on Oct. 24. It is also supporting Clintonville Family Halloween at the Airport on Oct. 31. Activities across the events include pumpkin picking, spooky science, a haunted trail and aviation-themed entertainment.
- Kitsap Credit Union in Washington participated in the Oct. 17 Naval Base Kitsap Trunk or Treat at Bangor, offering a photo booth for military families and other attendees. The event included decorated trunks, candy, seasonal activities and prizes.
- The Summit Federal Credit Union in New York participated in Zoo Boo at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Oct. 17-18. The event featured trick-or-treat stations, animal encounters, games, costume activities and photo opportunities.
- Educational Personnel Federal Credit Union is hosting an Oct. 30 trick-or-treat event from 2 to 5 p.m., with families invited to wear costumes and visit its offices for Halloween activities.
- In Spokane, spooky scenes are happening all across downtown this Halloween. On Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., families can locate each scene and decipher a riddle to earn a bag full of fall goodies from the Gesa Credit Union booth at the Rotary Fountain Plaza. Kids can pick up a Spo-Candy worksheet at the Credit Union booth or Looff Carrousel to find 10 scenes. Each scene contains a clue to help youth complete the worksheet riddle. Once the worksheet is finished, kids can, trade in their completed worksheet for a bag of goodies at the Gesa Credit Union booth.
