DeMello, Cushman schools scare up a fun time at trunk or treat

Oct 27, 2023

Are you ready for it?

The official It couple of the universe, superstar singer Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, made an appearance in Dartmouth Thursday, Oct. 26.

At least in the guise of Lauren and Chad Amaral, who portrayed the paparazzi’s favorite pair at the Trunk or Treat event at DeMello School. Their trunk, one of 34 decorated by parents, teachers and other community members, sported a Kansas City Chiefs theme, with candy for visiting “tailgaters.’’

They were just one of a variety of themed cars at the event, which was the brainchild of Kayla Faria, who has deep roots in the DeMello community. She attended the school herself a generation ago and now her son attends first grade there.

She had fond memories of Halloween celebrations, including a Ghoulish Gala, at the school when she was attending. Wanting her son and his fellow students to share a similar frighteningly fun experience, she scared up the idea of hosting the trunk or treat.

The themed vehicles filled the school parking lot for the event, which was co-hosted by the parent teacher organizations at DeMello and Cushman schools. Their trunks opened to display a specific motif, from Barbie to Pokemon to skeleton crews, and plenty of candy for distribution for costumed kids.

About 200 families attended, Faria said, to check out the displays, grab some candy and snack on pizza and popcorn.

One of them, Dante Silvia, 10, portrayed a rocking dinosaur and gave the event raves. “It’s fun and cool,’’ he said.

Isabella Pimentel-Raposa, who dressed in her Barbie best, said the trunk or treat combined two of her favorite activities.

“I get to seem my friends and I get some candy,’’ she said.

Mandy Costa, who was decked out in witch attire, attended with daughter Zoe Costa, 5, who donned a mermaid costume.

Mandy proved to be a good witch as she gave the activity five broomsticks. “Who doesn’t like to come out and see their friends?’’

Farias noted that the activity attracted trick or treaters of all ages.

“Halloween is for everyone,’’ Faria said. At least for a night, she said, “you get to be someone else.’’