Halloween, with its vibrant colors and thrilling traditions, is just around the corner, and communities across the U.S. are gearing up for the festivities. From spooky decorations adorning houses to children excitedly trying on costumes, the anticipation for the treat-filled night is palpable. This year, numerous towns have scheduled trick-or-treating events to accommodate families and make the most of the celebration.
One noteworthy change this season is happening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Downtown Eau Claire Incorporated (DECI) has rescheduled its trick-or-treating event to Saturday, October 26th, from 10 am to noon. This adjustment caters to families and local businesses, allowing for greater participation than the originally planned weekday event. The expanded route on Barstow will now run from Lake Street to Wisconsin Street, and select businesses along Water Street are also joining the fun. Meanwhile, the Trick or Treat event in downtown Chippewa Falls continues as initially planned for Halloween, from 3 to 5 PM
Many families are setting their costumes and stocking up on Halloween treats like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and M&Ms, with excitement building for the night of trick-or-treating on Thursday, October 31. It’s not just about candy, though. Safety is always front of mind as parents plan their outings. The American Red Cross has issued reminders for ensuring safety during trick-or-treating. Key tips include keeping trick-or-treaters visible to drivers by using face makeup instead of masks, carrying flashlights, and adding reflective tape to costumes and candy bags.
Local governments are providing specific guidelines for trick-or-treating hours as well. For example, hornell, as well as various towns around Steuben County, have set official treat hours from 6 PM to 8 PM on Halloween night. Villages like Arkport, Avoca, Bath, Canisteo, and Cohocton are aligning their crisp fall evenings for the anticipated event. Notably, the Town of Belfast is throwing in a “Trunk-or-Treat” from 5 PM to 7 PM, providing yet another layer of festive fun.
On the other hand, the communities are not exclusive to the outdoors; indoor celebrations are also significant during this Halloween season. Choteau, Montana, recently hosted its trunk-or-treat event led by dedicated volunteers Katie and John Adams. The turnout was impressive, with numerous decorated trunks and excited trick-or-treaters dotting the event. Kids dressed as everything from bananas to classic superheroes lined up to gather their haul of candy from trunks, creating sweet memories along the way.
Meanwhile, the youth of Hot Springs Village have also joined the celebrations, with the Rotary Club sponsoring the Interact Club at Fountain Lake School District. Their first service project? A lively trunk-or-treat event on October 29. According to Paul Bridges, one of the Rotarians involved, "Hundreds of costumed trick-or-treaters from as far away as Benton lined up to collect buckets and bags of candy." The enthusiasm and community spirit were evident as families enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere.
Back east, Newtown, Connecticut, students from St. Rose of Lima School celebrated by bringing Halloween cheer to residents at the Church Hill Village assisted living facility. Dressed to impress, the kindergartners and first graders visited, trick-or-treating for the elderly residents and spreading smiles. Dressed as characters from popular films, both students and teachers were clearly immersed in the spirit of Halloween.
Community gatherings like these highlight the joy and unity of this Halloween season. Not only do children get to fill their bags with candy, but families and neighbors strengthen their bonds, creating events where memories and fun take center stage. Tips and protocols from local authorities help maintain the well-being of everyone involved, ensuring this time-honored tradition continues safely and joyfully.
With Halloween fast approaching, communities are encouraged to continue fostering togetherness and fun, and families to prepare for the exciting night of trick-or-treating. Remember, safety first, but also enjoy every bit of the spooktacular nights to come!
