Halloween on Vernon
Halloween on Vernon began in 1990 as one of Trinity College’s efforts to strengthen ties with Hartford families, and the event has since become a cherished tradition. Each year, on the Sunday before Halloween, Vernon Street on the Trinity College campus transforms into a vibrant hub where students and local families come together for a day of spooky celebration.
The Annual Community Event Staff (ACES), under the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, spearheads the planning and coordination of Halloween on Vernon. Trinity students play a pivotal role, with Greek Life organizations, Cultural Houses, athletic teams, and other campus groups collaborating to organize activities. Campus-wide volunteers contribute their energy and creativity to make the event a highlight of the fall season. Popular activities like trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, games, and a haunted house offer an afternoon of fun and connection. Beyond providing a safe and enjoyable space to gather, Halloween on Vernon fosters informal, meaningful interactions between Trinity and its Hartford neighbors.
Over the years, Halloween on Vernon has demonstrated outstanding resilience. From overcoming challenges like the 2011 snowstorm to adapting to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has continually evolved while staying true to its mission of bringing people together. Its success is rooted in Trinity’s longstanding community engagement efforts, which provide a strong foundation for its growth. Partnerships with Hartford Community Schools and the Trinity College Community Child Care Center have expanded the event’s reach, connecting families across Hartford to the celebration. Through these collaborations, ACES has enhanced outreach efforts, such as distributing flyers to maximize attendance. The event’s growing popularity is evident in its wide appeal, drawing attendees from across the city, including Hartford’s mayor in 2024. These partnerships and outreach efforts exemplify Trinity’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and strengthening bonds with its neighbors.
Halloween on Vernon is more than an annual celebration–it signifies Trinity’s commitment to service and collaboration, creating a space where traditions bring together students and Hartford families. The event reinforces the shared values that unite Trinity and its neighbors, strengthening a relationship built on trust and community.
Sources
Halloween on Vernon: A Beloved Trinity College Tradition, by Erna Alic, November 13, 2024.
Trinity Tripod, 10/29/2019.
Trinity Tripod, 11/01/2016.