Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Wondering when or how to celebrate Halloween this year? Or if trash routes will be affected by the holiday? Or maybe you’re just looking for some safety tips for trick or treaters. These are questions City staff receive every year around this time. And, as always, City Beat has the answers.
Open or closed
Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, so it happens that City offices will be closed on the holiday. However, Halloween is not a nationally recognized holiday nor is it one observed by the City of Bartlesville, so there will be no disruption in services on either the Friday before the holiday weekend or the Monday following Halloween.
When to trick or treat
The City has no official stance on this and has never designated a day or time for trick-or-treating. Whatever day or night you choose, just keep safety in mind and remember: if you have candy and want to give it away, turn your porch light on. If you’re going to be gone or want to eat all the candy yourself, turn it off. Likewise, trick or treaters should look for homes that have a porch light on.
Safety tips
While it goes without saying organized events offer a more controlled environment and therefore a presumed reduction in safety hazards, the following tips might help if your family plans to trick-or-treat this Halloween:
- Cross the street at the corners/crosswalks and walk on the sidewalks, when possible.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Children (especially under 12) should be accompanied by an adult.
- Trick or treat in groups, if possible.
- Have older children who are going alone plan their route ahead of time.
- Teach children not to enter anyone’s home or vehicle for any reason.
- Teach children not to eat any “treats” until they’ve been inspected (and possibly removed for further “inspection” later) by an adult.
- Decorate costumes and candy bags with reflective tape and wear light colors, if possible
- Motorists: Please slow down and watch for children
Remember: Safety first (and second, and third). But after that, good luck and have fun!
More information regarding local Halloween events can be found through local media sources, churches, community centers and organizations such as Visit Bartlesville, not to mention social media.