Northwestern University Celebrates Halloween with Truck or Treat at Ryan Field Construction Site
Children dressed as planes, trains and automobiles gathered with real-life excavators and diggers Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Truck or Treat Halloween event next to the construction site for the new Ryan Field.
Northwestern University and its construction partners, the Central Street Consortium, hosted the event, getting a jump start on the community-oriented, family-friendly events that are in store for the new Ryan Field.
“From design, through construction and the eventual launch of the new Ryan Field, serving our Evanston neighbors is a priority for Northwestern,” said Dave Davis, senior executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations at Northwestern. “We are so excited for the opportunities the new stadium will present, and this was a fun moment to bring local families in on the construction action in anticipation of future Ryan Field events.”
The Central Street Consortium showcased excavators, cranes and other equipment used in the Ryan Field rebuild for local children to explore, while the Evanston Fire Department rolled out the purple firetruck. The Evanston Police Department gave children the chance to sit in a squad car and on a police motorcycle as they learned about the City’s first responders.
“This is awesome,” said an Evanston mom as she oversaw two boys coloring in printouts of an excavator. “We love getting to see the construction equipment up close finally.”
In addition to face painting and arts and crafts activities, Willie the Wildcat handed out prizes for best costumes in the themes of best construction worker, best Evanston pride, best Northwestern fan and best baby costume.
“Go `Cats!” yelled one girl dressed as a Northwestern cheerleader.
Local businesses including The Brown Team at Baird & Warner, Around Evanston, Mustard’s Last Stand, Parlor on Central, Chicago Paint and Twist and Von Poof Cotton Candy also contributed to the fun, bringing treats and activities for children to enjoy.