The weather didn’t stop the spookiest and scariest members of the greek community from coming alive for the Ames community on the evening of Oct. 29. Instead of being in the cold, unpredictable weather, the greeks created their own trick or treat destination.

Every year, the greek community puts on an event that allows local kids of all ages to participate in a safe night of trick-or-treating. However, the popular tradition was altered this year when a roof was put over the heads of many kids.

Co-coordinators Holden Asmus, senior in agricultural business and member of Alpha Gamma Rho, and Amanda Esteb, junior in chemical engineering and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, both said they felt it was a very good change.

Asmus, vice president of philanthropy and community service for the Interfraternity Council, works as Esteb’s counterpart, who is the vice president of philanthropy and community service for the Collegiate Panhellenic Council. The two work together on multiple events throughout the year.

Having the kids trick or treat indoors was more for a safety reason, Esteb said.

“We just planned a location that was away from the greek community because a couple of people were talking about how they didn’t come out last year because it was outside and it was cold,” Asmus said. “So we wanted to find a place that wasn’t outside and wasn’t cold.”

The planning started at the beginning of September, giving the greeks over a month in preparation time.

Katie Mott, resident of Ames, was at the event with her three-year-old daughter for the second year in a row. Mott said it was nice to know that the event would be climate-controlled, considering you cannot change the weather.

“I think it’s great,” Mott said. “I think it’s a wonderful time for the greek community to share with the greater Ames community the different activities and things they put on for the children in the Ames community.”

Many stations were available at the free event, including Twister, coloring books, face painting, pin the face on the jack-o’-lantern, Jenga and mini bowling with pop bottles.

The event was successful but there were complications and obstacles, Asmus said. 

“For the most part, it’s the little logistical things that come in and there’s a little wrench that will get thrown in the situation and you just keep going with it,” Asmus said.

The event was a good way to get the community involved and do a service project for the kids, Esteb said.

“It gets the greek community students interacting with people that are from the community and it kind of brings awareness to the community that the greek chapters aren’t just party houses,” Asmus said. “We aren’t just people that hang out in our own groups. We like to hang out with everybody. We like giving back to the community as well.”

Greek members volunteered by dressing up in costumes and handing out candy, along with working the various stations.

The event was held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Howe Hall.