For families in Laramie looking for a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween, the University of Wyoming’s annual Safe Treat program provides an amazing alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Safe Treat was a great success this year, bringing out many Halloween thrill-seeking families looking for a safe environment to get as much candy as possible.
Held on the UW campus, Safe Treat has been a beloved community tradition for over a decade now, welcoming families, children, and students for a night of Halloween fun. The event brings together university students and Laramie residents to create a memorable and safe experience for everyone involved.
Launched by the university’s Residence Life and Dining Services, the Safe Treat program aims to give local children a safer environment for trick-or-treating than just walking around the neighborhood, while also fostering a sense of community between the university and the town of Laramie. The event, which is usually held in the residence halls, has students taking part as well. Each participating floor is creatively decorated by students, providing a fun experience where children can go door-to-door, much like traditional trick-or-treating but within the secure environment of the university, where the threat of drunken college students is, ironically, at its lowest.
In addition to trick-or-treating, the Safe Treat program often includes a variety of other fun interactive activities and games. University of Wyoming students, many of whom volunteer as part of campus organizations or residence hall communities, help host the event. For them, it’s an opportunity to give back to the community while celebrating the spooky holiday. Many students enjoy dressing up and welcoming families to their floors, handing out candy and making sure everyone is having a good time.
For parents, the appeal of Safe Treat goes beyond Halloween fun. In a time when safety concerns around trick-or-treating can be a very real worry, especially in a college town, Safe Treat offers peace of mind that can be hard to find elsewhere. The university’s security staff and volunteers closely monitor the event, ensuring that the environment is safe and family-friendly. The residence halls are fully supervised, and families can enjoy the evening without the usual concerns about traffic, cold weather, or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Safe Treat is an example of the spirit of community that Laramie has. For many, it’s a tradition they look forward to each Halloween, and for the university, it’s a chance to show its commitment to the well-being and happiness of the broader Laramie community. If you can, make sure to catch next year’s Safe Treat! It’ll almost certainly be a fun and fright-filled night.
