Greek-or-Treat dampened by rain


By Jennifer Amsler
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, October 29, 2004

Fraternities and sororities invited trick-or-treaters to come collect candy yesterday, but rain and 52-degree temperatures kept the crowds away.

The Greek-or-Treat Halloween event, which was on East First Street between North Mountain Avenue and North Vine Avenue from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, was sponsored by the Order of Omega.

The Order of Omega is an organization that brings greek chapters together for philanthropy projects.

However, bad weather might have been the reason that only about 20 people came to the event, even though greeks were expecting at least 100 people, said Amanda Dahl, Order of Omega member. The Order of Omega passed out more than 1,200 flyers to advertise for the event.

Dahl, an elementary education senior, said the event was well publicized this year, and members passed out flyers all around Tucson. She said parents even called yesterday to make sure it was still going on.

"The weather really put a damper on the turnout," she said.

Nick Pierson, president of Order of Omega, said the organization has been planning Greek-or-Treat since the beginning of September.

"We would have liked to see more kids than we've seen today," said Pierson, a marketing senior.

Last year, more than 100 people came to trick-or-treat, Dahl said.

The groups purchased more than 1,000 pieces of candy for the trick-or-treaters, expecting another large turnout.

Even though not many kids braved the rain, a few greek students stood outside to show that the Greek-or-Treat was still open.

Chelsy Parafinik, philanthropy chair of Order of Omega, said this is the fifth year the greeks have put on this event for the Tucson community.

"It's a chance for all the greek chapters to get together and do something for the Tucson community," said Parafinik, a pre-education junior.

In the past, some of the fraternities and sororities without houses on East First Avenue set up booths along the sidewalk.

The Halloween event was for anyone who wanted to trick-or-treat, but the Order of Omega focused on getting the word out to young children.

"The event helps the kids have a safe Halloween," Parafinik said.

The University of Arizona Police Department blocked the streets so the children participating could cross streets safely.