When a holiday centers around children going from house to house in costumes to ask strangers for candy, safety can be an understandable concern for many parents.

Unable to participate in a Halloween event they normally go to every year, the Carter County Sheriff’s Department has decided to host its own trunk-or-treat this Thursday, as a way to continue its service to the community for a night of fun.

Public Information Officer Thomas Gray said the event will feature different representatives from the county, including the county clerk’s office and juvenile services.

“This is meant to be a fun, safe family event,” Gray said. “We will be giving out candy, and children will do it in a safe, controlled environment.”

He said this is the Sheriff’s Department’s first time organizing an event like this on their own in a while, which will take place in their parking lot from 5 to 8 p.m. Halloween night.

Gray said they have already seen positive responses as they have spread the word.

“It is encouraging anytime you see community response in law enforcement,” he said. “Events like this are where you can go and engage with them.”

Gray compared the trunk-or-treat to the school resource officers, as a way for children to interact with officers beyond their typical work with crime.

“We want to make sure kids feel safe around law enforcement,” he said. “It is easy to be intimidated.”

As for the department’s previous involvement in related events, Gray said the children make the experiences worth it.

“It is so enjoyable to see a kid’s face light up,” Gray said. “There is no feeling like it in the world. You just made a kid’s night.”

The trunk-or-treat, he said, is also a way for children to engage in Halloween festivities when they might otherwise have to do so in sketchy or unsafe neighborhoods.

Those interested in participating can come to the Sheriff’s Department parking lot at 900 East Elk Avenue from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone in the public to attend and enjoy.

“We are excited to see the kids come out and have fun,” Gray said.

For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 423-542-1845.