ESCANABA — Trick-or-Treaters with food allergies, diabetes or other complications preventing them from accepting candy can participate in a trunk-or-treat Sunday, Oct. 20, in downtown Escanaba.

The Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat will be held at Center Court on 11th and Ludington Streets on October. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. It is a Teal Pumpkin Project event where those distributing candy are also asked to hand out non-food items to those children unable to accept candy.

“We are inviting all little ghosts and goblins to attend but especially those kids who are told they can’t go trick-or-treating because they can’t accept candy,” said Craig Woerpel, director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “Those who have signed up to greet trick-or-treaters at their vehicles are asked to offer non-food items as well as candy.”

The Teal Pumpkin Project through the Food Allergy Research & Education group is meant to raise awareness of food allergies and encourage a safer Halloween.

Woerpel says non-food items can include stickers, crayons, whistles, bouncy balls and bracelets.

Samantha Gaudino has a 6-year-old son with food allergies who has often been told he can’t participate in traditional Halloween activities.

“There are more children with food allergies in our community than people realize,” she said. “This is a fun way to let all children safely participate in a traditional event.”

Those wanting to hand out items at the Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat can register their vehicle at escanabadowntown.com/trunk. It is free to register, however, participants will be responsible for the items they hand out.

Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated trunks. First place will receive $150, second $100 and third $50.

Vehicles will line South 11th Street at the DDA’s Center Court from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday. There will also be games and other activities for the trick-or-treaters.