October 21, 2009 — The University of Virginia will host its annual "Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn" Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Listen to the UVA Today Radio Show report on this story by Rebecca Arrington:

The event is scheduled for Friday, the day before Halloween, to avoid a conflict with a home football game against Duke University on Sat., Oct. 31.

U.Va. Trick-or-Treating, initiated in the late 1980s by students, is open to all Charlottesville community members. Local children are invited to wear their costumes and take part in traditional trick-or-treating at each of the Lawn rooms. The 52 Lawn residents will open their rooms to representatives of more than 70 student organizations, who will hand out candy, much of it donated by groups including the U.Va. Women's Club.

"Special treats" will also be provided for children and students with food allergies, said fourth-year architecture student Ben Chrisinger, head resident on the Lawn.

The event is hosted by the Lawn community and receives additional support from the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Newcomb Hall.

Free parking for families attending the event will be available after 4 p.m. in the lots at Scott Stadium, University Hall and the Culbreth Road garage. Other open public spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, including in the Central Grounds Parking Garage underneath the University Bookstore, where paid hourly parking is provided.

The Lawn community expects hundreds of children to attend the event and encourages University students to attend, too.

"All students are encouraged to come check out the Lawn to meet some of our Charlottesville and Albemarle neighbors," Chrisinger said. "It's easy for us to forget that there are people out there who aren't in the age range of 18 to 21, and this event serves as a great reminder." Students are also welcome to volunteer with the event by donating additional candy.