Families filled Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo for the inaugural Truck-or-Treat event, hosted by the Shay Legacy Foundation in partnership with Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. The daytime celebration gave children a safe, family-friendly place to dress up, collect candy and get an up-close look at the vehicles and people serving their community.
The event brought together trucks, community organizations and public agencies from across Buffalo. Participating partners included the Buffalo Fire and Police Departments, National Grid, the Buffalo Bisons, Rooted in Love and many others. Vehicles and activity stations throughout the park created a welcoming environment for children and families to enjoy an early Halloween celebration.
The event was also an opportunity to introduce young people to the trucking industry in a fun and approachable way. By seeing trucks up close and meeting the people who operate them, children were able to experience another side of an industry that plays an essential role in their community.
“The whole point is just to bring the community together, show them how trucks can be fun and safe, maybe talk to them a little bit about what their future could be in the workforce when it comes time to provide for their families,” Shay Legacy Foundation Executive Director Alan Gaines told WIVB.
Councilwoman Everhart emphasized the importance of bringing accessible, family-focused activities directly into Buffalo neighborhoods. Families responded enthusiastically, and the event drew a strong turnout on a warm, sunny afternoon.
The inaugural Truck-or-Treat demonstrated what can happen when industry, government agencies and community organizations come together around a shared purpose. What began as a Halloween celebration also became an opportunity to build relationships, encourage curiosity and help families see trucks—and the people behind them—as an important part of their community.
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