By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Oct. 23, 2025) Berlin’s lineup of seasonal festivities continues this weekend with the town’s annual family-friendly, educational, and Halloween-themed event, Touch a Truck-N-Treat.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids and their families from Berlin and the surrounding areas are invited to Stephen Decatur Park to learn all about the municipality’s fire, garbage, and utility trucks. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes, and candy will be handed out.

According to Berlin’s Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, the event typically yields a few hundred guests each year. Touch a Truck-N-Treat is free to attend and further creates a close-knit town by allowing families to interact with the personnel and equipment that keep Berlin safe and operational.

“[The event] gives families a free, easy way to meet the people who work behind the scenes every day to keep Berlin running,” Wells said. “Plus, it’s just a fun community day. No tickets, just a lot of smiling kids in costumes.”

The children will get the rare opportunity to climb on the large vehicles, and the families will be able to meet and chat with local police and fire crews, all while enjoying some sweet treats and dress-up fun.

 “It’s simple, but kids absolutely love it,” Wells added.

Berlin’s Truck-N-Treat occasion is another in the town’s list of fall-themed festivities. The event comes a week after the annual and ultra-anticipated Oktoberfest that featured local brews, music, and German-inspired food.

Touch a Truck will also coincide with the last week of Berlin’s well-attended farmers’ market, which begins each year in May and extends through October. The final market before next spring is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Town residents and visitors will have one more chance to peruse the local goods before the offseason officially kicks in.

Aligned with the upcoming Halloween holiday, this week’s farmers’ market will feature a pet costume contest. A Facebook post from the Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District encourages municipality citizens to bring their leashed animals dressed in their most creative get-ups for the chance to win prizes from Sweet Tater Treats.

Wells maintains that Berlin’s prioritization of community entertainment is what keeps the town thriving and residents engaged.

“It’s who we are,” she said. “Events like these keep our downtown alive, support local businesses, and the residents can easily walk into town for fun. We are focusing on family-friendly events because it’s important to spend time outside enjoying music, food, and each other.”