For the third year in a row, Freeport Ford’s Trunk or Treat event has been a highlight of the Halloween season in Freeport, IL, and this year was no exception. With an exciting array of new additions and nearly 700 children coming through, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout. Our goal has always been to create a fun, family-friendly experience for the community — and it’s safe to say this event continues to grow into something truly special.
Perfect Weather, Perfect Day
This year, the weather was absolutely beautiful — and we can’t thank Mother Nature enough for cooperating! After last year’s unexpected rain, which forced us to move indoors at the last minute, it was such a relief to be able to host this year’s event outside, just as we had envisioned. The crisp, fall air and sunny skies made for the perfect backdrop to our Halloween festivities.
A Big Thank You to Our Amazing Local Partners
One of the things that sets Freeport Ford apart is our unwavering commitment to community, and this year’s event was made even better thanks to the incredible local businesses who joined us to fill their trunks with candy, fun, and excitement. A big thank you goes out to these amazing organizations who made this event possible:
- Higher Grounds Coffee: They brought their Jurassic-themed truck, adding a fun, dinosaur twist to the event that was a big hit with the kids.
- Kane’s Car Wash: Thanks for being a part of the fun with your trunk full of treats!
- Freeport Lions Club: We loved having Leo the Lion stop by to meet the kids and share some fun!
- The Foundation of Northwest Illinois: Thank you for your continued support and for helping make this event a success.
- LASER: It was great having you with us, adding another layer of fun to the festivities.
- Coach’s Bar and Grill: Your support and participation meant a lot, and we’re grateful for your involvement.
- WC Build a Buddy: Kids loved the opportunity to create their own stuffed animals and make lasting memories.
- P & C Little Rascals Petting Zoo: This was one of our new additions, and the petting zoo was an absolute hit. The kids had a blast getting to interact with the animals, and we couldn’t have been happier with the turnout.
- Kristia Hord: Not only did Kristia bring Snow White to life for the kids, but she also captured beautiful moments throughout the day with her amazing photography. Her photos will allow us to look back on this event for years to come.
Exciting Additions: Scavenger Hunt, Petting Zoo, and Mini-Broncos!
This year, we took things up a notch by adding some fun, new elements to the event:
- QR Code Scavenger Hunt: Kids and parents alike enjoyed the interactive scavenger hunt, which led them to different trunks around the lot. The reward? A giant raffle basket worth over $500 packed with items for the whole family. Congratulations to Shaun Dascher, our lucky winner! As a father of four and a coach with Freeport Pretzels High School, we were so happy to see him win.
- P & C Little Rascals Petting Zoo: This was a huge hit with the kiddos! From fluffy bunnies to curious goats, the petting zoo was a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. It was such a joy to see the kids smiling and laughing as they interacted with the animals.
- Mini-Bronco Test Drive: One of the most exciting features this year was our Ride-on Bronco Raptors. We had six of these mini Broncos for the kids to “test drive” around our parking lot. They got a taste of what it’s like to drive a Ford Bronco while having fun and feeling like they were part of the action.
Why We Do This
At Freeport Ford, our Trunk or Treat event isn’t about selling cars or pushing sales — it’s about giving back to the community and providing kids with a memorable experience that they’ll cherish. This event is our way of connecting with families, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the Halloween season in a safe, fun, and festive way. We believe in the power of community, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of such a wonderful and supportive group of local businesses and families.
We’re already looking forward to next year, as we continue to build on the success of this event. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and we can’t wait to make it even bigger and better in 2025!

