Friday, November 6, 2026
Halloween festivities brought hundreds of families together at Schoolhouse Green as Oceanside’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association hosted its sixth annual Trunk-or-Treat, celebrating community, creativity and inclusion.
The free, Oct. 26 event welcomed nearly 900 attendees and featured 62 decorated vehicles, a DJ, food trucks, raffles and activities for children of all abilities.
What began six years ago as a small gathering during the pandemic has grown into one of SEPTA’s most anticipated community celebrations.
“We started with seven cars and maybe 100 people,” SEPTA President Abby Blaum said. “Due to popular demand of the community, this year we’re happy to have 62 cars.”
For the first time, SEPTA introduced a sensory-friendly hour, allowing children who may be sensitive to large crowds, loud music or overwhelming environments to enjoy the festivities comfortably before the event opened to everyone.
“The community asked, and we made it happen,” Blaum said. “We ensure that all schools are represented so it truly brings the whole community together.”
The Oceanside Fire Department joined the festivities, bringing firefighters and a fire truck for children to explore. The Oceanside Library also participated, offering its bookmobile and a movie screening on the green.
Beyond the Halloween excitement, the event supported meaningful community causes. Raffles benefitted the Ava Salonia Memorial Scholarship, while a donation table supported the newly established Maureen Greco-Blois Advocate in Action Scholarship.
Blaum said the celebration reflects SEPTA’s broader mission of advocating for students with special needs while fostering a sense of belonging through Oceanside.
“We want to ensure that all students are given an opportunity to be a part of the events the community offers,” she said.
Above all, Blau hopes families leave with lasting memories.
“We want families to come and feel safe and supported and included,” she said. “We want them to have fun. That’s the most important part.”
