Trunk or Treat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pirates & Princesses Set Sail for Fifth Annual Good Times at Gatherings Event

FRANKLIN, Va. — Ahoy, mateys! Early Childhood Western Tidewater and Gatherings in SoCo will welcome families from across the community for the fifth annual Good Times at Gatherings Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gatherings in SoCo, located at 31001 Smiths Ferry Road in Franklin.

More than a traditional trunk-or-treat, this free community event brings together families, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and public agencies for an evening of festive fun and connection. With more than 30 community organizations participating, the event serves as a community resource fair where families can discover valuable local services while enjoying a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Attendees can look forward to free hotdogs, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, trunk-or-treat activities and much more. This year’s Pirates & Princesses theme will bring the event to life with creative displays and photo opportunities. The Southampton High School Art Department, under the leadership of Mrs. Morgan Ritenour, is constructing a castle prop for photos. Additionally, the Southampton County Sheriff's Office Patrol & Rescue Boat will be transformed into a pirate ship by local balloon artist Shannon Brown-Murrell.

The event is a collaborative effort led by Early Childhood Western Tidewater and venue hosts Charles and Debi Darden of Gatherings in SoCo, with support from community liaison Angie Tyler. Now in its fifth year of co-coordination, Good Times at Gatherings has become a highly anticipated community tradition. The annual event was recently recognized as Best Local Event in the Tidewater News Hometown Choice Awards, highlighting its impact and popularity throughout the region.

Community partners are also helping ensure families, participating organizations and volunteers are well cared for. Family 4 Eternity will supply and cook hotdogs for an estimated 700 attendees with support from Living Through Blessings. Additionally, Family 4 Eternity and Southampton Motor Speedway will also provide boxed barbecue meals for participating organizations and event volunteers.

Adding to the excitement, partner trunks will be judged by three community leaders: Southampton County Administrator Lynette Lowe, Southampton County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Juliana Thompson, and Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. President and CEO Karl Heck.

The event reflects the power of collaboration among community organizations, local businesses, schools and public agencies to create meaningful experiences for families while connecting residents with resources that support children and their caregivers.

Families are encouraged to dress in costume attire and join the festivities for an evening of treats, activities and community connection. Attendees can follow Early Childhood Western Tidewater on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

EVENT DETAILS
- What: Good Times at Gatherings: Pirates & Princesses — Trunk-or-Treat and Community Resource Fair
- When: Friday, October 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- Where: Gatherings in SoCo, 31001 Smiths Ferry Road, Franklin, Virginia
- Admission: Free
- Activities: Trunk-or-treat, free hotdogs, bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, photo opportunities and more than 30 community organizations.

EVENT SPONSORS
Gold Sponsors: Bronco Federal Credit Union, Southampton County, and Enviva
Silver Sponsors: Southside Diabetes & Integrated Care
Bronze Sponsors: Southeastern Virginia Health System
In Kind Sponsors: Family 4 Eternity, Living Through Blessings, Turner Electric, Southampton County Sheriff's Office, Southampton County Public Schools, & China Beach LLC