A cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan has sparked outrage after announcing plans to hold a trunk-or-treat event with classic cars shortly before Halloween.
The event at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East is slated to take place tomorrow, October 26, and be a family-friendly event for all ages. However, the idea of a cemetery hosting a glorified car show and trick-or-treating event has caused intense backlash.
The Facebook post announcing the event has received over a hundred comments including some by people who claim to have family members at the cemetery. They’re upset and one person said their family is “beyond devastated” and the idea is “wrong in so many ways that I can’t even begin to express my anger.”
Others criticized the cemetery for being “morbid,” “disrespectful” and “inappropriate,” while countless others said shame on them. Another suggested that attendees would be “running all over … taking pics with gravesites.” They went on to express fears that flowers, flags, and lights could be stolen or destroyed.
Despite the controversy, the cemetery doubled down on their plan and claimed the event is “not disrespectful,” and will instead bring the community together. They went on to say they take their responsibility for loved ones and their families “very seriously.”
This, unsurprisingly, sparked more backlash and accusations the cemetery is hiding comments from people criticizing them. While that remains unconfirmed, WDIV spoke to someone with the cemetery and were told there “would not be a car show.” However, the cemetery’s original post and profile picture still promote “Classic Cars!” as part of the event.
