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Youngsters flock to local car boot Halloween event

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Spook in boot: You just can’t take your eyes off pirate Mikaylee Carmody’s Evil fast food clown decoration. Photo by Faith Macale

Parents, children and the young at heart gathered in Chittick Park for a spooky celebration on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31.

The Car Boot Halloween trick-or-treat started 17 years ago when Board Games & Battlegrounds owner Sarah Barnbrook moved to Australia from the United States.

“It started as a neighbourhood renewal project,” Ms Barnbrook said.

“We were trying to get some community feedback on a strategic plan that they were developing, and that (car boot trick or treat) was one of the activities we did as a community event.”

Mother-Daughter-duo: Organiser Sarah Barnbrook with her daughter Aurora at the Car boot trick or treat. Photo by Faith Macale

Ms Barnbrook said back then, when the car boot trick or treat started, it was the best way to do a Halloween event as the concept of trick or treating was still growing in the region and not necessarily seen as an Aussie thing to do.

Now, thanks largely to social media, she said Aussies see Halloween as a fun, carefree event that everyone can join in with.

“I know from personal experience that there are members of the community that detest it,” she said.

“It’s very much viewed as an American holiday to some.”

However, Halloween, though celebrated mainly in the United States, originated in Irish culture.

“It’s certainly not exclusively American,” she said.

About 300 youngsters visited this year’s car boot trick or treat.

“Every year, it seems to get bigger,” she said.

Because of this, Ms Barnbrook plans to have a committee help her organise future events.

“We’ll be looking at things to help plan it a little bit better,“ she said.

“We’re definitely mindful of doing more.”

The Telegraph’s Faith Macale popped along and took these photos of some incredible outfits.

Why so serious?: Alethena Lomas as Harley Quinn and Amelia Clout in an impressive Joker outfit. Photo by Faith Macale
Treats, no trick: Audrey, Ciara and Harley Beckham were all smiles after getting their favourite lollies. Photo by Faith Macale
Let’s a go: Teens dressed up in their favourite characters, such as Mario, Luigi and Miles Morales from Spiderman. Photo by Faith Macale
Angel of music: Rick Mills dressed up as Erik, from the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Faith Macale
Break time: (Back) Harvey Barbera, Raf Barbera, Henry Benbow; (front) Vera Barbera and Audrey Benbow take a break from trick or treating. Photo by Faith Macale