For kids in Lubbock, Halloween will come early this year thanks to the 13th Annual Greek Treat that will take place tonight at Greek Circle.
Greek Treat is an event at which the Greek community — consisting of Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Inter-Greek Council — will be passing out candy to kids and their families from the Lubbock community.
Kirsten Cannon, the Panhellenic Council community service chairwoman, said the event is popular within the community and about 400 children are expected to attend.
“Everybody knows about it,” Cannon said. “Last year we ran out of candy in the first hour.”
Besides candy, she said, the children interact with the Greek members with carnival-like games and activities from pie throwing contests to face painting.
Each chapter also will hand out prizes to promote their theme, Cannon said. For example, the Pi-Phi’s will be handing out books to promote a foundation for literacy.
The Greek students also dress up in costumes which makes children excited to see participation from older people, she said.
“It’s really memorable for the kids and for us,” Cannon said. “We get to remember our traditions and memories from when we were kids.”
Originally the event was Panhellenic, but over time other groups in the Greek community joined in.
Jason Biggs, the assistant director at the Division of Student Affairs, said the chapters raise their own money to put on the event.
A good amount of planning involved, he said, and a block party permit is required because the streets on Greek circle are city owned and sheriffs are needed to help patrol the streets.
Cannon said all major entrances will be blocked off so no cars will be present providing a safe, fun environment for the kids.
“That’s why people’s kids come out because it’s a safe environment,” she said. “It’s stress free for the parents.”
Cody Comiskey, the president of the Interfraternity Council, said the event shows Tech and the Greek community in a positive light.
“The girls and guys really enjoy hanging out with them,” he said. “I’m going as Billy Mays, so it should be a fun time.”
Greek Treat will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Greek Circle will close down 30 minutes prior to the event to ensure no vehicles will drive on Greek Circle.
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