Halloween marks a special day all over the world, but especially at the University of Virginia. Yesterday, Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn, one of the longtime popular traditions at UVa, took place on the World Heritage Site, bringing with it hundreds of children and families from the local community. An endless line of costumed kids clutching their bags of candy with their families looped around the Lawn, stopping at each of the 54 Lawn rooms. “Lawnies” and members of student organizations filled the spaces of each decorated room and handed out candy – all of which was purchased and donated by UVa students.
This year, Fourth Year Jacqueline Kouri lives on the Lawn. Yesterday, in her Minnie Mouse disguise, Kouri fully participated in the festivities.
“Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn is a great way to get the Charlottesville community connected with UVa students,” Kouri said, “It is such a fun and nostalgic tradition for UVa students to dress up and retreat to their childhood years of trick-or-treating and see families and kiddos, too.”
In her Lawn room, Kouri hosted the organization Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). According to Kouri, each room on the Lawn hosts one to two clubs each for one hour. Many of the Lawn room residents host clubs and organizations they are a part of, helping represent the over 70 student groups who participate in the event.
Anja Cetic, owner of Fig Bistro and Bar on the corner, has come every year with her family since her oldest daughter was born. To accommodate these Charlottesville families, free parking was offered for the numerous families in the community.
“We come [to Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn] because our children can experience a fun and safe environment,” Cetic said.
Second Year Lindsay Klein considers Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn as one of her favorite days of the year.
“I love seeing what the kids dress as these days,” Klein said, “They keep me hip to all the newest and coolest characters that I have not been in touch with since being at school.”
The two-hour event allows for students to take a break from studying and enjoy the fall weather and the company of hundreds of cute kids and dogs. Klein appreciates the tradition.
“It’s a really refreshing experience to get away from all the stress of school and see some adorable kids,” Klein said.
