THOMASVILLE- Hundreds of kids and families poured into the Thomas County Public Library parking lot on Saturday morning for the annual Faith & Blue Weekend Trunk or Treat.

According to Public Information Officer Cpl. Crystal Parker, this was the event’s largest turnout to date.

“I think people are beginning to remember that we host this event yearly,” she said. “It’s a safe event for children and our community partners look forward to it, as well.”

The community partners rose to the occasion on Saturday, with newcomer Gerald Pannell with FCA Outdoors, bringing a mobile archery station for kids and adults alike to try.

“When I was looking for new community partners, someone suggested I contact Gerald,” Parker said. “When I told him about the opportunity, he was right on board.”

Pannell taught kids how to shoot a bow safely, and ensured safety measures were in place around the area to create a fun-filled afternoon.

“It was a really fun addition,” Parker said. “It was nice to have something for the older kids and adults, as we realize a lot of the things are catered to the younger ones.”

Thomasville Police Department also expanded on its haunted house, creating another unique opportunity for fun.

Last year, Jason Baldwin crafted a setup in the parking lot from walls used at the range. However, this year he had the idea to partner with Thomasville Fire & Rescue, allowing those who dare enter the haunted house to have an educational lesson at the end.

Parker said the haunted house had three different parts to it, including a dark walkway, a spooky spider section, and a haunted scarecrow outside.

“We had a lot of fun watching the kids go through the house and dreaming up the idea,” she said. “It was a team effort putting it all together.”

Parker and her fellow officers have already started crafting ideas for next year, but they are realizing with the expansion they may outgrow their current location.

“I’d like to expand more on the festival aspect of it,” she said. “I’d also like to possibly see out live entertainment and allow the organizations involved to come up and speak if they so choose.”

Parker has added these ideas to her notes for next year and looks forward to creating more fun, and spooky memories in the years to come, rather it be at the library or an alternate location.