Mark your calendars, Raleigh residents! This Halloween season, the city's Department of Transportation is hosting a community bash that promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. "Transportation and Treats" is the event's moniker, and it's slated for the evening of October 30 at the March Creek Community Center. The department, in a recent announcement on the RaleighNC website, is calling for families, children, and Halloween aficionados to "enjoy Halloween festivities and get up close and personal with the Raleigh Department of Transportation."
While trick-or-treating is a childhood staple, here's a chance to indulge in civic engagement dressed as your favorite ghoul or superhero. Running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m, the costumed-friendly gathering presents an opportunity to chat directly with city staff about all things transit—new roads, bike lanes, what have you. And, according to the department, wearing a costume it's an excellent chance to not only introduce your little ones to civil service but also "bring their questions about ongoing and upcoming transportation projects" to the forefront, as mentioned on RaleighNC.
In a blend of policy and play, the afternoon into evening event will offer face painting and games for the kids, and maybe a few adults, too. You can also take a spin on a Cardinal Bikeshare bike or even give an e-scooter a go. For those looking to take a literal journey into Raleigh's future, take a look at their all-electric GoRaleigh bus on site. And let's not forget about the "robotic wonders," including a sewer inspection camera and stormwater truck, that are sure to pique just about anyone's curiosity, as per the RaleighNC.
If roadways and costumes aren't your bag, useful employment information for careers in transportation will be available as well. And to sweeten the deal—because no Halloween event would be complete without a little sugar—light refreshments and sweet treats will be on offer. Arrive early and you might be one of the lucky thirty to snag a "Transportation and Treats" scratch-off card, or luck out and take home a grand prize. So consider this a formal invitation: come out, enjoy the festivities, and engage with the folks responsible for keeping Raleigh on the go. Full details, including the event's October 30 date and the 3050 N New Hope Road location, are available on the Raleigh city's website.
