NSYMCA’s Annual Trunk or Treat Celebrates Halloween with Creative Trunks, Costumes, and Community Fun

Northbrook, IL – October 2026– The North Suburban YMCA welcomed over a thousand people to its annual Trunk or Treat Fest on Sunday, October 18, bringing an afternoon of Halloween excitement, creative costumes, candy, music, and family-friendly activities to its Northbrook campus.

Presented by Allstate, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Wintrust Community Banks, and Waterway Carwash, the free event transformed the YMCA’s outdoor campus into a festive Halloween destination where children and families could celebrate the season in a safe and welcoming environment.

Families enjoyed trick-or-treating from creatively decorated vehicles, games, bounce houses, and music by Bach to Rock. The decorated trunks showcased plenty of imagination, with participants competing for the coveted Most Creative Trunk Awards.

This year’s Most Creative Trunk winners were:

·First Place: Launch in Gurnee, recognized for its ski-ball game and creative decor
·Second Place: Girl Scouts of Troop 47909 from Greenbriar Elementary, who delighted attendees with their Cookie Monster-themed trunk.
·Third Place: Angel and Patrick McChesney of Palatine, who earned recognition for their gothic-themed trunk.

The Halloween spirit continued with the event’s Costume Contest, where children 12 and under showed off an imaginative variety of characters and costumes. Six costumes were awarded with winner medals and included a Baby Mario, the Pillsbury Doughboy, a mini homemade Cookie Monster, Glinda the Good Witch, the “Aliens,” and Curious George.

“Our annual Trunk or Treat is one of the wonderful ways we bring our community together,” said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment and Events at the North Suburban YMCA. “It is so rewarding to see families enjoying the festivities, children showing off their costumes, and local businesses and organizations coming together to create a memorable Halloween experience in a safe environment. This year we really lucked out with sunny skies, bringing in more guests than we have ever had in the past.”

The North Suburban YMCA extends its sincere thanks to the premier sponsors and the event sponsors that make these events possible for us. Bach to Rock, Chicago Mind Solutions, Glenbrook Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Championship Martial Arts, Celebree School of Northbrook, Renewal by Andersen, Funtopia- Glenview, Bond Orthodontics, VIO Med Spa Deerfield, 9Round Kickboxing -Northbrook, and many more.

Through events like Trunk or Treat, the North Suburban YMCA continues its commitment to strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together. If you are a local business who wants to support events like this one, you can contact Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment at knyren@nsymca.org. You may also check out the 2027 event calendar at www.nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA serves Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and resources that help residents become healthier, more connected, and confident. The NSYMCA is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Focusing on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility, the North Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that is inclusive and welcoming to all in the community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.