A line of costumed kiddos and — a few costumed parents — snaked out the front entrance of the Munroe-Meyer Institute for more than two hours during the institute’s annual trick-or-treat event on Oct. 22.
More than 750 guests attended the event — now in its sixth year — weaving through more than 30 trick-or-treat stations — manned by more than 100 volunteers — on the institute’s first floor. The event is designed as an accessible and sensory friendly opportunity for all families with intellectual and developmental disabilities to more easily trick or treat.
With overflowing treat buckets, many trick-or-treaters opted to stop in the first-floor conference room — which had been set up as a sensory-friendly place to get away from the crowds — to snack on popcorn and watch a family-friendly Halloween movie.
The VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre set up outside the main entrance to entertain families waiting to get inside, as well.
The event is a chance to have fun and relax, said MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD.
“We can forget the challenges of every day,” Dr. Mirnics said. “We celebrate the community, and we celebrate each other.”
While most children sported costumes, sometimes entire families got in on the action, too. The Hansen family dressed as the fictional Heeler family from the popular cartoon “Bluey.”
Ellie, 2, dressed as the title pup, while Mom and Dad went as Bluey’s parents, Chilli and Bandit. The show is a family favorite, mom Torrie Hansen said.
They learned about the trick-or-treat event through social media.
“This was pretty cool,” Torrie Hansen said, adding that Ellie especially enjoyed visiting different booths and perusing all the sensory-friendly opportunities at the event.
While many attendees and their families may have received services at MMI, the Hansens were among the families that came from the wider community, many drawn by the accessible nature of the event and, in some cases, interested in learning more about MMI and the services it provides.
“It’s nice to showcase our amazing building and people,” Dr. Mirnics said. “But the vast majority are families we serve. It’s a safe environment, a nurturing environment, and it’s their environment with people they know.”
The event was made possible because of support from staff, volunteers and community stakeholders, as well as sponsorships from the Scottish Rite, Omaha Community Playhouse and Phi Rho fraternity.
Dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes roamed the lobby, along with a quartet of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a carton of milk and Herbie Husker.
“Hi, Barbie!” echoed from one treat station as a group of Barbies approached. Pokemon, princesses, superheroes and a cast of Mario characters traipsed through the building, too.
Grace Jerabek and Kate Bandel were particularly impressed with an Oogie Boogie costume from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Jerabek and Bandel manned a table on behalf of the Creighton Department Occupational Therapy. It was their first time at the event.
“It’s so comprehensive,” Bandel said. “Everyone is super involved, and it’s a good opportunity to interact with each other and practice social skills as well.”