Spirits Soar at Seventh Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat

by Rachel Hunter

The heart of the North Country pulsed with joy and connection as families arrived in droves for the Seventh Annual Trunk or Treat in Gouverneur, transforming the local fairgrounds into a vibrant celebration of community, care, and Halloween spirit.

What began in 2018 as a local outreach initiative has grown into a cherished tradition—one that now spans across the North Country, thanks to the vision and dedication of the Community Health Center of the North Country (CHCNC) and the Seaway Valley Prevention Council (SVPC).

This year’s event, held in partnership with the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and Gouverneur Central School District, was a resounding success. The midway at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds offered an ideal setting: walkable, accessible, and welcoming to treaters of all ages and abilities. From toddlers in costume to teens with tote bags, the energy was electric as the call of “Trick or treat!” echoed down the rows of decorated trunks.

Staff from CHCNC and SVPC greeted attendees with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an afternoon that blended festive fun with meaningful outreach. Thanks to the generous contributions of dozens of organizations, clubs, businesses, and volunteers, the fairgrounds were lined with creatively themed trunks offering everything from candy and healthy snacks to toys, crafts, and resource materials. Each trunk was more than a treat station—it was a symbol of community investment and care.

Participants included the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Regional Health- St. Lawrence Region, Community Health Center of the North Country, Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, GSL, Gouverneur Family Opportunity Center, Gouverneur Public Library, Friends 4 Pound Paws, Gouverneur Education Association, Gouverneur Rescue Squad, Richville Volunteer Fire Department, Gouverneur Police Department, New York State Police, and many others.

Beyond the costumes and candy, Trunk or Treat serves a deeper purpose. It’s a family-friendly platform for raising awareness about local services available to those navigating substance use challenges. The event’s roots trace back to a successful collaboration between SVPC and the Massena Drug-Free Community Coalition, whose inaugural Trunk or Treat at Massena High School drew hundreds of costumed children and sparked a movement. Recognizing the power of joyful engagement, organizers brought the model to Gouverneur—and it has flourished. Now in its seventh year, the Gouverneur Trunk or Treat has become a seasonal highlight for many families, blending tradition with transformation. It’s a space where children feel safe, parents feel supported, and the broader community comes together in shared purpose. Each trunk tells a story—not just of Halloween fun, but of the organizations and individuals working year-round to uplift and protect their neighbors.

As the sun set on another successful event, the fairgrounds buzzed with laughter, connection, and the quiet strength of a community that shows up for one another. The impact of Trunk or Treat reached far beyond the midway. It was felt in the conversations sparked, the resources shared, and the memories made.

Planning is already underway for the Eighth Annual Gouverneur Trunk or Treat in 2026. Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring a trunk, or learning more about the event’s mission are encouraged to contact the Seaway Valley Prevention Council at (315) 713-4861 or visit svpc.net. For more information about the Community Health Center of the North Country, visit chcnorthcountry.org.