More than 650 Participate in HCPL Foundation’s Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat at Coppermine
More than 650 people participated in Harford County Public Library Foundation’s Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat on October 3-4, an event that provided children who use wheelchairs with a fantasy Halloween costume.
“Being welcoming and accessible is at the heart of everything we do at the Library, and the Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat reflects that mission,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library. “This event celebrates creativity, joy and the power of inclusion, reminding us how much stronger our community is when everyone can fully participate. We are deeply grateful to the incredible volunteers, sponsors and community partners whose generosity and passion made this magical experience possible.”
The Wheelchair Costume Workshop, held all day October 3 and most of October 4 at Coppermine Bel Air Athletic Club, featured more than 100 volunteers who transformed wheelchairs for seven children, ranging in age from 5-17, into the following costumes:
- Safari Vehicle
- Night Fury from How to Train Your Dragon
- Beauty Police (a pink police car)
- Ariel from Little Mermaid
- Lightning McQueen race car from Disney’s Cars
- Bluey’s Jeep with a camper to carry all of Bluey’s family and friends
- Thomas the Tank Engine
Through the generosity of sponsors, Harford County Public Library Foundation provided the materials such as paint, fabric, cardboard, wood, glitter, tape, dowels, etc. Artists, carpenters and engineers were on site to provide support as was a seamstress.
The Inclusive Trunk or Treat, open to everyone, took place on the parking lot of Coppermine Bel Air Athletic Club late in the day on October 4. It began with the children in the wheelchair costumes parading out together, showing off their new costumes beneath a balloon arch. More than 50 vehicles were decorated, and treats were provided to over 650 children of all abilities in a safe, welcoming environment.
The event’s Spooktacular Sponsors were American Design and Build, Ltd., American Sentry Solar, APGFCU and Harford Center. The Pick of the Patch Sponsors were Growing Smiles, Rosedale Bank and Sharon and Brian Lipford. The Hocus Pocus Sponsors were Matthew and Laura Allison, McLaughlin Physical Therapy and Hand Rehabilitation, Inc., Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and RG Group.
Harford County Public Library operates 11 branches located throughout Harford County offering access to ideas that inform, entertain and inspire. Last year the Library interacted with its residents more than 12 million times – borrowing free materials, visiting branches and the website, using free WiFi, and attending classes and events. In 2024 Harford County Public Library received the Maryland Library Association Excellence in Marketing Award for graphic excellence for the second time. For more information, visit HCPLonline.org.
MediaWise, Inc.
-
Leslie Greenly Smith Marketing & Communications Director, Harford County Public Library
- October 10, 2025
- (410) 273-5707
- Send Email
