10/01/2026
❤️ AN UPDATE FROM 225° BARBECUE REGARDING HALLOWEEN ❤️
We want to clear something up and, more importantly, offer a sincere apology to anyone we may have offended.
225° Barbecue had planned to attend tonight’s Parker City Town Board meeting to ask permission to use the park on Saturday, October 31, to host what we were calling an “Epic Trunk or Treat.”
Our idea was to create something really special for the kids and families of Parker City—not just decorated cars handing out candy, but something much bigger. We were reaching out to people about bringing race cars, semis, farm equipment, paramotors and other flying machines, exotic animals, and other unusual vehicles and attractions. We had even discussed the possibility of having a helicopter come in for the kids to see.
We were excited about the possibilities and had already started contacting people and businesses who wanted to participate.
What we did not realize was that Parker City already has a longstanding Halloween event and fundraiser associated with the fire department.
That was our mistake.
We woke up this morning to quite a few comments and messages. Some were very kind, while others made it clear that people felt our event might interfere with something that has been a Parker City tradition for years.
That was NEVER our intention.
We weren’t trying to compete with anyone, take anything away from the fire department, replace an existing event, or step on anyone’s toes.
We simply wanted to do something fun and memorable for the kids, become more involved in the community, and give something back to the town that has supported our little restaurant.
So, out of respect for the existing Halloween tradition, 225° Barbecue will NOT be attending tonight’s board meeting to request use of the park, and we are withdrawing our plans for the Epic Trunk or Treat.
To anyone we offended or upset by announcing the idea before we understood everything that was already happening in town, we sincerely apologize.
There was absolutely no ill intent behind it.
We’re still fairly new to having a permanent business here, and we’re still learning some of Parker City’s traditions. We hope people can understand that this came from a good place.
We love seeing families and kids having fun, and we just wanted to contribute something positive to our community.
Thank you to everyone who reached out kindly and explained the situation to us. We appreciate it.
We wish the Parker City Fire Department and everyone involved with the existing Halloween festivities an AMAZING event this year. 🎃👻🍬🚒
Maybe there’s an opportunity for 225° Barbecue to help, participate, or collaborate in the future rather than creating something separate.
At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same little community.
❤️ 225° Barbecue
Parker City, Indiana
