Safe Treat, the annual safe trick-or-treating event for children held by the University of Wyoming, will be held this year after the university cancelled the event last week due to staffing reductions and budget restrictions.

And some folks in the UW Fine Arts department are the ones to thank for keeping Safe Treat alive in 2016.

UW FIne Arts Coordinator Kathy Kirkaldie says she and Professor Casey Kearns were talking about how sad they were to hear the event wouldn't be held this year, when Kearns -- an associate professor of scenic design -- joked about holding the event in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, where there just so happens to be a set for "Dracula."

The way Kirkaldie tells it, the pair wound up talking themselves into putting the wheels in motion. Now, with the proper permissions and a little help, the joke is set to become a reality on Friday, Oct. 28.

"It seems like everybody is pulling together, and we'll find a way to make it work," Kirkaldie says.

So, from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 28, the annual Safe Treat will be held in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts.

Trick-or-treating stations will be set up throughout the building. Games, activities and tours of the "Dracula" set by UW Department of Theatre and Dance folks will also be available.

The Athletics Department is helping out by allowing anticipated overflow parking in the Ford Stadium Parking Lot east of War Memorial Stadium, just a short walk or shuttle ride from the BCPA. The best access for walking to the event from the stadium lot is available by parking on the south side of the lot, and everyone is encouraged to use the free UWYO Roundup shuttle system.

Limited parking is available immediately to the west, north and east of the BCPA.

Only major parking violations will be enforced after 3 p.m. by UW Transit and Parking Services in the parking lots next to the BCPA.

Caned food items will be collected as usual at Safe Treat to support the Laramie Soup Kitchen pantry. Participants are urged to bring a donation.

"There are so many people on campus and off who want the event to go on," Kirkaldie adds, saying the City of Laramie and other groups called to see how they could help.

And anyone who wants to help put on Safe Treat by assisting with activities or contributing candy or prizes for the event should call Kirkaldie at 766-2160, or email kirsik@uwyo.edu.

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