Lexington Trick or Treat Date/Time Moved Due to Severe Weather Threat

DEM Blogger

October 27, 2019

Update: Wednesday, October 30th

Mayor Linda Gorton today moved Lexington’s trick-or-treat Halloween celebration to 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.

“I’m erring on the side of caution,” Gorton said. “The weather forecast for Thursday remains uncertain. On Saturday children can trick-or-treat earlier to take advantage of the daylight, and the forecast is clear. ”

While most communities will celebrate Halloween on Thursday, October 31st, many groups, schools and organizations will have holiday activities this week and weekend. That means children and adults will be out and about in costume, going to parties and events.

For children, here are some do’s and don’ts while you’re on the trick or treat trail:

• Walk in familiar, well-lit areas and don’t trick or treat alone.
• Don’t eat any treats until you get home and an adult checks them first.
• Only go to homes with the porch light on.
• NEVER enter a stranger’s home or car if offered a treat.
• Always carry a flashlight or glow stick to be visible to others and so you can see where you’re going.
• Plan your trick or treat route in advance and know when you’ll be home.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Cross streets at corners or marked intersections; NEVER cross between parked cars.
• Don’t use a cell phone while trick or treating; you need to watch where you’re going.

For adults and parents who will be getting children ready to hit the trick or treat trail, some reminders:

• Make sure all costumes, wigs and accessories are fire-resistant.
• Make sure all costumes fit properly and don’t drag on the ground – That can be a trip hazard for children.
• DO NOT USE DECORATIVE CONTACT LENSES AS PART OF A CHILD’S COSTUME. THESE CAN CAUSE PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE.
• Add reflective tape to costumes that are dark so motorists can easily see the trick or treaters.
• Add reflective tape to trick or treat bags for extra visibility.
• Masks should have adequate eye openings so that children can see all around them. Make-up is a better option than a mask.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it’s marked NON-TOXIC and test it on a small area of skin first.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Check all candy and treats when children return home. Throw away any unwrapped or suspect treats.

Adults who may be driving on Halloween should slow down and pay extra attention while driving – especially in neighborhoods during the early evening when trick or treaters are out.

Consider purchasing non-food treats, such as coloring books, pens and pencils.

Halloween has become one of the most popular adult holidays, with more money spent on adult costumes than for children’s costumes. Haunted houses, fright trails and parties with friends and neighbors are commonplace. But Halloween has also become one of the largest party weekends and with that can go alcoholic beverages. Watch what you drink and how much. Pick a designated driver before the party starts. Park your car and take a cab or other public transportation if you’re planning to party hard this Halloween weekend.

More on Halloween safety from Safe Kids Worldwide, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Consumer Reports.