This Halloween, Birchip came alive with ghoulish costumes, happy laughter, and the unmistakable crunch of candy-filled loot bags as seventy-nine students wandered around the town for a memorable evening of trick-or-treating. 

Organized as a FReeZA event by the Birchip Youth Group, this spooktacular celebration saw two groups set off around town with senior youth group members. There were forty-two students from prep to grade 3, along with thirty-seven older students excited to participate in a night of multi-generational fun with a scary twist.

Dressed as witches, superheroes, ghosts, monster brides, scary cheerleaders, pharaohs and everything in between, the young trick-or-treaters visited eighteen homes around town, where parents, grandparents, siblings and friends generously handed out tricks and treats to the excited children.

Special Stop
One of the most special stops was at the Birchip Campus of East Wimmera Health Service, where residents eagerly awaited their young visitors. Many of the children had personal connections with the residents, making this part of the evening especially heartwarming. 

The nursing home residents handed out lollies and other treats, enjoying the energy and joy the children brought with them.  The children delighted the residents and staff with their enthusiasm and costumes, and were rewarded with lots of smiles and an array of sweet treats.

Safe and Inclusive
The event was a huge success, with the Birchip Youth Group creating a safe and inclusive way for local kids to enjoy Halloween while connecting with the wider community. The children wrapped up the evening in the Birchip Park with their loot buckets full and hearts even fuller.

Halloween in Birchip is now a much anticipated tradition thanks to the amazing support of the community and the leadership and dedication of the Birchip Youth Group.