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Despite the rain, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) campus was buzzing with excitement as hundreds of students, children, and families gathered at Carnahan Quad for the annual Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks event.
This long-standing Mizzou tradition brought together fraternities, sororities, and the local Columbia community to celebrate Halloween in a fun, family-friendly way filled with candy, games, and community spirit.
What is Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks?
The event, hosted each year by Mizzou’s Greek councils, gives children from the Columbia area a chance to enjoy safe and festive Halloween fun on campus.
Students from various Greek organizations set up decorated tents and tables, offering candy, games, and smiles to the little trick-or-treaters who came dressed in colorful costumes.
It’s more than just a Halloween party — it’s a way for students and community members to connect. The event encourages a sense of unity while showcasing the positive side of Greek life at the university.
Greek Organizations Behind the Event
The Trick-or-Treat celebration is a joint effort by four major Greek councils at Mizzou:
| Greek Council | Role in the Event |
|---|---|
| Interfraternity Council (IFC) | Organizes activities and helps with student volunteers |
| Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) | Brings cultural diversity to the event |
| National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) | Promotes historically Black Greek organizations and inclusivity |
| Panhellenic Association (PHA) | Coordinates sorority participation and candy distribution |
These organizations come together every year to make the night memorable for families and children in the Columbia community.
Bringing the Community Together
Even with rain clouds overhead, the event drew a large crowd. Families arrived with umbrellas, but nothing could dampen the joy of children collecting candy from smiling college students. There were fun booths, mini-games, and lots of laughter echoing through the quad.
Diamond Francois, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, expressed her excitement about participating:
“I think this is an awesome way for kids to experience Greek life in the Columbia community. A lot of these kids might be future students here, so it’s great exposure to what campus life is like.”
This kind of engagement helps strengthen the bond between Mizzou students and the local residents, showing that the university’s Greek community values service, inclusion, and fun.
Why the Event Matters
The annual Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks is more than just a Halloween celebration — it’s a reflection of Mizzou’s commitment to community building.
By welcoming local families onto campus, the event allows students to connect with children and parents in a positive way, encouraging goodwill and shared traditions.
It also gives Greek organizations the chance to show their leadership, teamwork, and outreach efforts beyond parties and social events. This meaningful interaction helps reshape public perception of Greek life, highlighting its community service roots.
Rain or shine, Mizzou’s Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks proves that Halloween is best when shared with the community. Through candy, games, and connection, the event celebrates togetherness and reminds everyone that even small traditions can have a big impact.
The university’s Greek councils continue to lead by example, bringing joy to families and building stronger ties with Columbia residents year after year.