PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. — During the early morning hours of Halloween, the City of Prairie Grove was hit by an EF1 tornado that caused damage to homes and businesses in the community.
However, if you made your way to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park on Thursday, you'd have no idea as what looked like the entire town was there celebrating Halloween at the annual trunk or treat event.
"So this event we've been doing for 10 or 12 years now, started off in a parking lot with two police cars, and we've watched it grow as our community grows. And so, it has been important for years, just being able to give back to our community," Mayor David Faulk said.
After the storm, this year's trunk or treat felt a little more special for the community.
"We have citizens that are going through some hard times right now, the idea that we could still come together on Halloween, maybe give them a relief from reality for just an hour or two and be able to have fun with the kids and be able to provide candy. I think it becomes even more important," Faulk said.
Prairie Grove Police Chief Chris Workman added that as people woke up to property damage and destruction, it was nice to offer a break at a fun event to relax, bring the kids out, and enjoy a lovely evening.
The community showed out at the event and made sure the victims of the storm know they are supported.
"I love living in this town, everyone here is like family, just like today, when the storm happened, you have families outside cooking, making egg and sausage burritos for the whole community. So it's more like I wouldn't even consider a town. I consider Prairie Grove a family," Prairie Grove resident Maurice Jackson said.
"We've all just been talking about the storm. I mean, it's just turned into a healing event really," added Wade Davenport, another Prairie Grove resident.
Most importantly, the kids were able to get out and grab some candy.
"When we can bring the kids of our community together and they can actually enjoy tonight. Man, that's a wonderful thing," Faulk said.
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