Warming Up the Fun: Using Patio Heaters for Trunk-or-Treat Events
Warming Up the Fun: Using Patio Heaters for Trunk-or-Treat Events
When the air gets crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s a sure sign that Halloween is right around the corner. For many communities, that means it’s almost time for Trunk-or-Treat — a fun, family-friendly twist on the classic trick-or-treat tradition.
But anyone who’s attended a Trunk-or-Treat event knows that by late October, the temperature can drop fast once the sun goes down. Parents start to shiver, kids huddle under costumes, and candy stations lose their charm when everyone’s teeth are chattering.
The good news? Patio heaters are a simple way to keep everyone warm and happy.
Whether you’re a community center director, HOA event planner, or church leader organizing a fall celebration, adding portable patio heaters or horizontal heaters can make all the difference in keeping your guests comfortable. Find out how patio heaters can elevate your Trunk-or-Treat event, the different types available, and how AEI Corporation can help you choose the perfect setup for your space.
What Is a Trunk-or-Treat?
Trunk-or-Treats have become one of the most popular Halloween traditions across the country. Instead of walking door-to-door through neighborhoods, families gather in a large, well-lit parking lot or courtyard. Participants decorate the trunks of their cars or small booths, hand out candy, and enjoy time together in a safe, community-driven environment.
It’s everything people love about Halloween (costumes, candy, and creativity) all in one place.
Typical Trunk-or-Treat hosts include:
- Churches and religious organizations
- Community centers and HOAs
- Schools and libraries
- Local businesses or city recreation departments
The atmosphere is festive and family-focused, but it also takes place outdoors, in late October, when temperatures can be unpredictable. In many areas, the nights are chilly enough to make standing around for hours a bit uncomfortable.
That’s where commercial patio heaters come in.
Why Warmth Matters at Fall Events
Event planners know that comfort is key to a successful gathering. If guests are too cold, they won’t stay long. Families will pack up early, volunteers will retreat to their cars, and the lively spirit of the evening fades.
Providing a few well-placed heaters can completely change the atmosphere. Warmth encourages people to stay longer, mingle more, and actually enjoy the event you’ve worked hard to organize.
Here are a few specific benefits of adding patio heaters to your Trunk-or-Treat setup:
1. Extended Event Time
When people aren’t fighting the cold, they’re willing to hang around longer. That means your event can run into the evening hours without worrying about attendance dropping off once the temperature dips.
2. Happier Volunteers and Staff
Most Trunk-or-Treat events rely on volunteers to hand out candy, manage games, and keep things running smoothly. Giving them a warm place to stand between waves of visitors is a great way to boost morale and show appreciation.
3. Better Experience for Families
Kids in costumes are excited, but even superheroes get cold. Parents will be thankful to have a warm area to take a break while their kids enjoy the fun.
4. A Safe and Inviting Atmosphere
Chilly weather can drive people back to their cars, breaking up the sense of community. Heating zones create a cozy, inviting space where people naturally gather — exactly what Trunk-or-Treats are all about.
The Best Patio Heaters for Trunk-or-Treats
Not every outdoor space is the same, and not every heater fits every setting. AEI Corporation offers several types of commercial-grade heaters that work perfectly for both permanent installations and temporary events like Trunk-or-Treats.
Portable Patio Heaters (Propane Mushroom Heaters)
Portable propane patio heaters, often called mushroom heaters because of their distinctive shape. Portable patio heaters are the most popular option for temporary outdoor events, because they can be positioned where they are needed.
These heaters feature a round dome reflector on top that spreads heat evenly in all directions. They typically warm an area up to 10–12 feet in diameter, making them perfect for open-air spaces like parking lots or courtyards.
Advantages:
- Completely portable — move them wherever you need heat
- No permanent installation required
- Easy to use and refill with propane tanks
- Ideal for parking lots or areas without electrical outlets
- Store them out of the way when they aren’t needed
Example use:
Place several propane mushroom heaters along walkways or near activity zones so parents and volunteers can stay warm between candy stops.
AEI carries trusted brands like Sunglo, which offers durable, commercial-quality mushroom heaters designed for continuous outdoor use; and has been doing so for over 50 years! These are built to last, even when used year after year for seasonal events.
Horizontal Heaters (Overhead Infrared Heaters)
If your community center or church has an existing patio, awning, or covered area, horizontal heaters are an excellent option. These are mounted overhead on walls, ceilings, or poles and provide radiant warmth without taking up floor space.
AEI carries several trusted brands of infrared horizontal heaters, including:
- Infratech: electric patio heaters
- Sunpak: natural gas and propane heaters
- SunStar: natural gas and propane heaters
Like mushroom heaters, horizontal heaters use infrared energy to heat people and surfaces directly, rather than just warming the air. That makes them highly efficient and effective, even when it’s breezy outside.
Advantages:
- Permanent installation — always ready for use
- Energy-efficient radiant heat
- Safe and space-saving
- Available in electric, natural gas, or propane models
Example uses:
Install horizontal heaters along your facility’s patio or courtyard so you can host outdoor gatherings year-round — from Trunk-or-Treat to Christmas markets or spring picnics.
Mount electric patio heaters on the walls of a covered walkway or pavilion to create a consistently warm gathering space for fall and winter community events.
Choosing the Right Patio Heater for Your Space
Every property is different, and the right heater setup depends on your layout and event type. Here are some quick guidelines:
| Space Type | Recommended Heater | Fuel Type | Notes |
| Open parking lots | Portable mushroom heaters | Propane | Most flexible and easy to move |
| Courtyards or patios | Horizontal heaters | Electric or natural gas | Great for permanent installations |
| Covered entryways | Electric horizontal heaters | Electric | Safe for semi-enclosed areas |
| Church or community center patios | Combination setup | Mixed fuel types | Flexibility for year-round events |
If your Trunk-or-Treat is held in a parking lot, portable propane mushroom heaters are the best choice. They’re mobile, reliable, and can be spaced evenly between car stations to ensure everyone stays warm.
For facilities with existing outdoor structures, horizontal heaters provide long-term benefits that go beyond just one night — allowing you to host many different events comfortably throughout the year.
Safety and Ease of Use
When it comes to community events, safety always comes first. AEI’s commercial-grade patio heaters are designed with safety and performance in mind.
All AEI heaters:
- Meet or exceed safety standards for commercial outdoor use
- Are built from durable materials to handle weather and frequent transport
- Include features like automatic shutoff valves and tilt safety switches
- Offer stable bases or mounting options to prevent tipping
Year-Round Benefits
While Trunk-or-Treat may only happen once a year, installing mushroom or horizontal patio heaters can provide year-round comfort for your community.
Think beyond Halloween — these heaters can be used for:
- Winter fundraisers or Christmas fairs
- Outdoor movie nights
- Summer evening gatherings
- Sunday fellowship events or youth group socials
- HOA picnics and seasonal barbecues
Adding heating options makes your outdoor areas more versatile and increases the value and enjoyment of your property overall.
Planning Your Heated Trunk-or-Treat Zone
Here’s how you can easily integrate patio heaters into your next event:
- Assess Your Space
Walk through your event area and note where people will gather. Focus on main activity zones like snack tables, photo booths, or prize areas. - Choose Your Heater Type
- Portable propane mushroom heaters for flexible setups in open spaces
- Horizontal heaters for mounted or overhead heating in courtyards or patios
- Test Before the Event
Do a trial run a day or two before Halloween. Make sure all heaters ignite properly, check propane levels, and verify placement for maximum coverage. - Create Cozy Gathering Spots
Set up a few designated warming areas with heaters, seating, and perhaps hot chocolate or cider stations. Guests will naturally gravitate toward them, encouraging conversation and community.
The AEI Advantage
For more than 50 years, AEI Corporation has supplied top-quality commercial heaters and grills to hospitality businesses, multifamily properties, and community organizations across the country.
We carry a full line of products from trusted brands like:
- Sunglo — portable and permanent propane or natural gas mushroom heaters
- Sunpak — powerful natural gas and propane horizontal heaters
- Infratech — sleek, energy-efficient electric infrared heaters
- SunStar — durable, high-performance commercial infrared heaters
When you work with AEI, you’re not just buying heaters — you’re partnering with experts who can help you choose the best setup for your space. We provide product documentation, installation guidance, and ongoing support to ensure everything runs smoothly, year after year.
How to Make Trunk-or-Treats More Memorable
A little warmth goes a long way toward creating a welcoming, joyful environment.
Imagine this: children laughing and showing off their costumes, parents sipping hot cocoa, volunteers chatting by the glow of propane mushroom heaters. Instead of rushing back to their cars, families linger, share stories, and enjoy the evening.
By adding patio heaters, you’re not just keeping people warm — you’re enhancing community connection.
Call to Action
If you’re planning a Trunk-or-Treat event or looking to upgrade your facility’s outdoor comfort, AEI Corporation has the solutions you need.
Explore our collection of portable patio heaters, mushroom heaters, and horizontal heaters to find the perfect match for your space. Our team can help you plan the right layout, choose the ideal fuel type, and ensure your guests stay warm and happy — not just for Halloween, but for every outdoor event throughout the year.
Contact us today to learn more about our full line of commercial heaters — including propane patio heaters, natural gas heaters, and electric patio heaters — built to keep your community events warm and welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are patio heaters safe to use around children at Trunk-or-Treat events?
Yes. All commercial patio heaters sold by AEI meet or exceed national safety standards. Models include built-in safety features such as automatic shutoff valves and tip-over protection. As long as heaters are placed on level surfaces and supervised by adults, they are perfectly safe for family events.
2. What type of patio heater is best for outdoor parking lot events?
For open spaces like parking lots, portable propane mushroom heaters are ideal. They’re easy to move, require no electrical wiring, and provide steady heat even in breezy conditions. Just make sure to keep them spaced evenly and positioned away from decorations or car displays.
3. Can we use electric or natural gas heaters instead of propane?
Absolutely. Electric patio heaters and natural gas heaters are excellent choices for permanent installations in courtyards or covered areas. Electric models are quiet and emission-free, while natural gas versions deliver powerful heat and can be hardwired for regular use.
4. How many heaters do we need for our Trunk-or-Treat area?
A good guideline is one patio heater for every 100 to 150 square feet of outdoor space. The number can vary depending on the temperature, layout, and how many guests you expect. AEI’s team can help you plan your heater layout to ensure even, comfortable coverage across your event area.
5. Can patio heaters be used year-round for other community events?
Yes! Many churches, HOAs, and community centers use their patio heaters long after Halloween. They’re perfect for Christmas fairs, winter fundraisers, outdoor movie nights, and summer gatherings. Investing in quality commercial heaters ensures comfort at every event throughout the year.
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