Local groups have planned special programs to celebrate Halloween. Among the activities are Trunk or Treat events, which aim to offer a safe alternative to trick-or-treating door to door. Instead, children can travel from vehicle to vehicle collecting candy and treats. Children are encouraged to dress in costume, and attendees should bring their own bags for collecting candy.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5 Brooke Manor, Birdsboro, will hold its annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. The church will provide hot dogs, snacks and beverages. Those who would like to decorate their trunk and distribute candy should register with the church office by calling 610-582-8167 or emailing secretary@stmarkbirdsboro.org.

BSA Troop 56 will present its annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Saint Peter Catholic Church, 2835 Manor Road, West Brandywine. Setup will begin at 4:30 p.m. for those handing out treats. In lieu of an admission fee, attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Honey Brook Food Pantry.

"We will be giving out little bags of popcorn as a tie-in to our popcorn selling fundraiser," noted Matt Ostrowski, Assistant Scoutmaster. "We will give out hot chocolate as well."

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/Troop56HoneyBrook and choose Events or contact Ostrowski at T56mro@gmail.com.

Gibraltar Fire Company, 3351 Main St., Birdsboro, will hold its annual fall Trunk or Treat Car, Truck & Bike Show on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All makes and models of vehicles are welcome, and vehicle owners are asked to bring candy for the trick-or-treaters. Registration will open at 8 a.m.; the entry fee will be by donation.

Awards will be issued to the top 20 cars, and there will also be a People's Choice honor and specialty awards. Food will be available for purchase, and there will be a Chinese auction. The rain date for the event is Oct. 29. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/GibraltarFire.

In addition, Abundant Life Church, 400 W. Second St., Birdsboro, will host its annual Harvest Block Party on Oct. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. Featured will be live music; children's activities, including a free petting zoo and carnival-style games; hayrides; and barbecue. Candy and prizes will be awarded to children. Visit http://www.facebook.com/AbundantLifeBirdsboro and choose Events for more information and to register.

The 10th annual Tricks and Treats for Tweens and Teens will be presented by the Honey Brook Community Library, 687 Compass Road, Honey Brook, on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Open to youths ages 10 to 17, the event will include crafts, games and treats. To register, email jspade@ccls.org or call the library at 610-273-3303.

The Geigertown Fire Company, 3433 Hay Creek Road, Birdsboro, will hold a trick-or-treat night on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. Children will be able to collect Halloween candy, and there will also be fire trucks on display. Visit http://www.geigertownfireco.com for more information.