Richmond council approves Moose Lodge Trunk-or-Treat after organizers pledge limited footprint

The Richmond City Council on Sept. 2 approved a special-event request from the Richmond Moose Lodge to hold a trunk-or-treat on Grand Trunk Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25, authorizing closure of the block in front of the lodge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for setup and teardown and event hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tammy Misko, president of the Richmond Moose Lodge, told the council the lodge would coordinate with Backyard Living (a neighboring private property event) and avoid taking apartment parking spaces or interfering with nearby businesses. Misko said organizers expect about 10 to 12 cars initially but could have up to about 30 participants from lodge members and their families; she also offered surplus candy for other events, including the firehouse. A councilor raised a concern that opening the Moose Lodge event to outside businesses could draw attendance away from an established Backyard Living trunk-or-treat held the following week; Misko said the lodge planned to share foot traffic with Backyard Living and emphasized past collaboration. The motion approving the closure and event passed by voice vote; the transcript records “Aye” and the mayor saying, “Motion does pass.”