Palatine High School presents free Trick or Treat with Pirate Pete event Oct. 30

Palatine High School presents the annual free Trick or Treat with Pirate Pete event from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Palatine High School, 1111 N. Rohlwing Road, Palatine.

Children ages 10 and under, accompanied by an adult, are invited to attend this free annual celebration of the fall season. Students from a variety of Palatine High School clubs, organizations, programs, and sports teams will staff the event. The gym and cafeteria will have a large selection of carnival-type games for the children to play. Classrooms throughout the first floor of the school will be decorated using themes. Each classroom has a sign outside letting parents know if the room is scary or not so scary for the children. Many treats will be handed out at the event.

Twenty years ago, Gary Steiger, now principal at Palatine High School, had three young children. It was Halloween, and the weather was cold and rainy. A friend told him that Randhurst Mall was hosting an indoor trick-or-treat event at their facility. The family attended the Randhurst event, and the idea was born to host a similar event at the high school. Steiger planned the first trick-or-treat event at Fremd High School, and has been hosting the event at Palatine High School for the last 18 years. Steiger looks at the event as a way to give back to the Palatine community.

Palatine High School chemistry teacher Nicki O'Keefe, who is helping plan the event this year, remembers Trick or Treat with Pirate Pete from her time at Palatine High School as a student when she enjoyed decorating a room for the local community children to trick-or-treat safely.

O'Keefe said, "This is a great opportunity for families to bring their children to a warm, safe and friendly environment to trick-or-treat."

The event is sponsored by Palatine High School staff and student groups along with community organizations and businesses. One of the annual sponsors is the Palatine High School Pirate Boosters. The Booster Club provides an annual grant of $1,750 to subsidize the supplies and candy purchases. In addition, the Booster Club president sends a letter to area businesses soliciting treats and supplies for the event.

According to Palatine High School Pirate Boosters President Alissa DePue, "The Palatine High School Pirate Boosters exist to enhance the Palatine High School experience for our students. We do this both monetarily and through deed. Supporting the trick-or-treat festival is one way we demonstrate that mission. By aiding our community, all children - student volunteers and young attendees alike - are impacted in a positive and meaningful way."

For information about Trick or Treat with Pirate Pete, call Palatine High School at (847) 755-1600

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