Contributing writer Bonnie Cranmer
October has always been a month of change. The weather gets cooler. The leaves change color and the sun sets earlier. Excitement builds as the end of the month brings the Halloween spirit.
This year, along with the witches and ghouls, you’ll find several recognizable characters walking the streets. Beetlejuice is popular, and the combo of Wolverine and Deadpool will be seen knocking on doors. Bluey and Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster will be spotted. Many of the homemade costumes will surprise and delight, but will your Halloween festivities be safe? Here are some tips for a healthy and happy Halloween.
First, make sure your costume fits well. Can you see clearly so you won’t fall or bump into other trick or treaters? Wearing face paint is often a better option than a mask. Is your costume fire retardant? Check the labels when purchasing a costume for the materials and accessories. Try on the costume before the big party to be sure it’s comfortable and easy to move in.
Next, do you have a plan? Always go trick or treating with a friend, never alone. Take a flashlight and wear glow-in-the-dark accessories. Attending a party or “trunk or treat” event should be fun. Be sure to let adults know the plan, where you’re going and when you expect to be home. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Now, the goodies are in the bag, an excellent selection of candy and assorted treats collected on a brisk evening. Wash your hands when you get home and check all candy before eating! Are there any torn wrappers or other signs of tampering? Let an adult check any homemade goodies and discard if unsure. While it may look appealing, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Do you have pets in the house? Keep candy away from dogs and cats who are naturally curious and often will try a piece or two before getting caught. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause serious illnesses. Be mindful of where you are storing the candy so you don’t have a pet emergency.
Decorating for Halloween is another fun way to celebrate the season. The synthetic materials often used for spider webs and other scary things can become a hazard to birds and animals. Try to find natural materials like cheesecloth and grapevines to create a spider web instead. Yard art adds to the excitement and lighting makes it glow. Solar lights can be used to bring the “graveyard” to life. Remote control characters will scare trick or treaters when approaching, if set up on timers or motion controls.
Check with local churches and other organizations for trunk or treat events and be sure to be careful when trick or treating on Halloween. The Craig Valley Christian Church is hosting an event on Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. Carper’s Bar & Grill is hosting a family-friendly Halloween Party complete with a costume contest from 7 p.m. to midnight. There’s plenty of scary fun to be had so get your ghoul on and have fun.
