Linton sets two days for trick or treating

The city of Linton has slated two days for Halloween celebrations this year, though they won't be in a row.

Linton's trick-or-treating will be held Oct. 29 and Halloween night this year, skipping Sunday.

Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell announced the two-day trick-or-treating schedule Wednesday after consulting with Linton Mayor Patti Jones.

"I discussed it with the mayor, and we agreed Sunday is just a bad day for trick-or-treating," Jerrell said.

Jones said the decision was made because many churches hold Sunday evening services.

"We want to set up the schedule in a way that allows people to go to church and do the things they want to do on Sunday evening," the mayor explained.

"I would ask that people please honor that fact, and not go trick-or-treating on Sunday, even if they're not going to church that evening."

School is also in session the following Monday.

The schedule allows five-and-a-half hours spread across two days for kids to seek candy and treats.

Trick-or-treaters can go door-to-door from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29; and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.

There is no age limit on trick-or-treating.

"People should just use common sense," Jones said.

Halloween night's trick-or-treating also coincides with the sixth annual Spookfest in Humphreys Park.

The event, formerly held downtown, provides kids with a Halloween parade through the park and costume contest where each receives a goodie bag filled with treats.

In recent years, over 200 pounds of candy were donated by area merchants, a far cry from the event's earlier days when kids sometimes received only a single candy bar.

While Halloween's traditionally seen an increase in vandalism, Jerrell said police have received few reports of trouble a third of the way through October.

"It's not been too bad so far," the chief said. "It seems like it's been fairly quiet."

During Halloween celebrations, Jerrell urged everyone to remain aware of increased foot traffic and resulting dangers, and act safely.

"We want to remind people to watch out, and to drive slower on the side streets. A lot of kids will be running up and down those streets, sometimes wearing dark costumes, and we don't want any kids getting hurt. Parents should also watch out for their children."

Other safety tips offered by the U.S. Center for Disease Control include:

* Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

* Children should avoid trick-or-treating alone, instead going in groups or with a trusted adult.

* Reflective tape should be fastened to costumes and bags to increase visibility.

* All treats should be inspected for choking hazards and tampering.

* Kids should be careful not to overindulge in sweets.

* Participants should carry flashlights after dark.

* Make-up can irritate and affect those with allergies. It should be tested in a small area of skin first, and removed before bedtime to avoid irritating skin and eyes.

* Always look both ways before crossing the street, using crosswalks wherever possible.

* Decorative contact lenses can potentially lead to eye irritation or injury if they are not a good fit or left in too long.

* Always walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

* Be sure masks, costumes, and shoes fit well so children can avoid blocked vision and falls.

* Generally, children should eat only factory-wrapped treats. Homemade treats should be avoided unless the family knows the cook.

* Children should not enter a home alone, but only with a trusted adult. Otherwise, they should stay outside.

* Children should never walk near lit candles or Jack O Lanterns while trick or treating.

* Also, children should wear flame-resistant or retardant costumes.