A spook-tacular season

Each fall, Gladden Farms brings neighbors together for a family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with costumes, decorated trunks and community traditions and of course… treats!

There are plenty of ways for Gladden Farms residents to get into the Halloween spirit and every year, the Gladden Farms Community Association hosts a frightfully fun event for the whole family.

One of the community’s signature Halloween traditions is the annual Gladden Farms Trunk or Treat, hosted by the Gladden Farms Community Association (GFCA).

Trunk or Treat at Gladden Farms

Each Halloween season, Gladden Farms residents have the chance to put their creativity to the test at the community’s Trunk or Treat.

On October 29th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, families are invited to Paws ‘N Claws Park for an evening filled with costumes, candy and creatively decorated trunks. Residents, organizations and community groups can also get in on the fun by registering a vehicle and creating their own Halloween display.

This year, GFCA shares what makes the event special — along with tips for creating a trunk that just might take home the top prize.

What makes Trunk or Treat such a special event for the Gladden Farms community?

GFCA: Our fall tradition has evolved over the last 20 years, and now our trunk-or-treat is one of our signature events. It is a safe and fun place for the whole Gladden Farms community to celebrate together.  

What can families expect at this year’s event? 

GFCA: You can expect all the fun you’ve come to know, and a few special surprises! Decorated trunks, lots of treats, inflatables, a miniature pumpkin patch, and family-friendly fun. Plus, we’re adding a designated treat station for our four-legged friends.

Whether you’re competing for the title of Best Trunk or simply coming to see the decorations and fill your candy bucket, the event offers another opportunity for neighbors to connect and enjoy life at Gladden Farms.

How to create a frightfully good trunk

A few decorations can go a long way, but creating a winning trunk takes a little imagination.

Start by choosing a theme your entire group finds fun. From classic Halloween scenes to favorite movies and characters, a clear theme can help tie together your decorations, costumes and even the treats you hand out.

GFCA: We provide a large bag of candy for each trunk, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Also, don’t hesitate to think outside of the (candy) box. The most popular handout last year was ramen noodles.

Then, think about the details. Props, lights, signs and interactive elements can help turn the back of a vehicle into an experience trick-or-treaters will remember.

But what really catches the judges’ eyes?

What are judges looking for when selecting the Best Trunk?

GFCA: Community spirit! Trunks that spread smiles, get people talking, or bring neighbors together stand out from the crowd.

What advice would you give someone decorating a trunk for the first time?

GFCA: While we love a theme, we always encourage our volunteers and small businesses to use their imaginations. No idea is too big or too small.

The biggest tip? Start planning early and don’t be afraid to get creative. Halloween is the perfect excuse to think outside the box — or, in this case, outside the trunk.

2025 Gladden Farms Best Trunk Winner

Need a little inspiration? Look no further than the Gladden Farms Elementary PTO, winner of the 2025 Best Trunk contest.

The group brought its creativity and community spirit to last year’s event and came away with the winning title. 

From choosing a memorable theme to getting the whole team involved, last year’s winners prove that a little planning — and plenty of Halloween spirit — can make for a boo-tiful display.

Ready to join the competition?

Have an idea that could be this year’s showstopper? Gather your team and bring it to life.

How can I register a trunk?

GFCA: It is easy to register, and we hope to have over 25 trunks participate.

Teams interested in decorating a trunk can register here.

And don’t forget: attending Trunk or Treat means you get a say in the fun, too.

Cast your vote

Once you’ve made your way through the decorated trunks, be sure to vote for your favorite.

How does voting work? 

GFCA: Our panel of judges observes each trunk throughout the night, consults with trunk or treaters, and awards one very special title of “Best Trunk.” We also award Rookie of the Year (for first-timers) and “Wickedly Creative.”

Take your time checking out all the creative displays before casting your vote. You never know which spooky, silly or spectacular trunk will earn this year’s bragging rights.

No tricks, just community

At Gladden Farms, Halloween is another reason to get outside, meet your neighbors and make memories close to home in Marana.

Whether you’re dreaming up the winning trunk, transforming your home into a haunted masterpiece or simply bringing the family out for an evening of trick-or-treating, there’s a way for everyone to join the fun.

Grab your costumes, stock up on candy and get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween at Gladden Farms.

Register your trunk and find additional event details at GFCALifestyle.com.