Each year we get farther away from pandemic we are taking steps to reclaiming our lives. As a child I remember my father would take a group of us out in the neighborhood every Oct 31 for trick or treat. We always came back with stories and a large bag of candy. My father would let us sit on the tail gate of the station wagon and followed us as we proceeded up one side and down the other side of the street. We were always worn out at the end of the night, but we had candy that could last all year. During that time we heard stories of people poisoning candy or putting razor blades inside of caramel apples. I never saw anything like that, but I remember hospitals would allow children to come in and have their bags x-rayed to be safe. It seems that as I got older and as I became a parent I remember Halloween was diminishing and lights in the neighborhoods were farther and fewer. We began to go to the Church events for Fall Festivals and those events became more popular than traditional door to door. I’m sure there are many reasons Halloween changed; safety, working parents, neighborhoods changing or maybe even the possibility children today don’t have the desire to run for blocks seeking candy. For whatever the reasons I was happy to see the tradition of Halloween is alive and well in the city of Meridian. Last year we had many families on Main Street with their children in costume. It is much like the Halloweens of the past. The Police Department will be out and slowing down the traffic that night. We anticipate more children, parents and citizens involved this year than last. Meridian Police Department will also be enforcing our new Child Safe Ordinance preventing convicted Sex Offenders from interacting with the children. In anticipation of the increased interest a few events have been placed on the calendar. On October 29 the city park will be full of activities. The Bosque Farmers Market will be open from 9am-noon Saturday morning. We will have a truck or treat for all ages at the Market from 10:30-noon. Come out in costume and receive candy. We are looking for adults who want to park their cars in the parking lot to participate in the event. The Bloomtown Market will be celebrating their grand opening at 301 S. Main and will have events for the children and families starting at 10am as well. The Meridian Parks and Recreation will be at the Plaza too brand bollards starting at 9am. The evening will end with a free dance at the Chisolm Trail Plaza. Guest are encouraged to come in costume and prizes will be awarded in various categories. The event will have music and begins at 7:30pm. We will be celebrating Halloween on Monday night October 31 on Main Street. Residents will be out giving candy and it will be fun for all ages. Some safety tips I would like to provide to make sure you and yours have a great night. Thanks again for your support of our community and please call the Meridian Police Department if you have any questions.
Guidelines for Parents and Trick or Treaters
All children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Costumes should not be restrictive, should not hinder the vision of the child, and should be clearly visible at night (costumes with light reflecting materials are highly recommended).
Your children should be cautioned to not consume treats before they can be carefully inspected by parents.
Homemade type treats (baked goods) and fruits/nuts should not be consumed unless parents know from where they came.
Trick or Treating should be enjoyed in well lighted communities and only well-lit homes should be approached.
Adults should carry flashlights and, if at all possible, children should also carry portable lighting of some type.
All traffic rules for pedestrians should be followed. Motor vehicle traffic will increase in our communities during Halloween eve. Parents should be cautious as they move about with their children and we want to remind drivers to be on the lookout for those ghosts and goblins.
Guidelines for those who pass out treats
Distributing homemade treats should be avoided. These type treats will often be thrown out unless the parents know the provider.
Ensure that your home is well lit for the children if you intend to pass out treats.
Be wary of those who approach your home seeking monetary donations of any kind (including the sale of products). Halloween is not the time for this. If you cannot verify that the solicitation is legitimate, do not participate.
If you are concerned that a child is too young to be out alone and you can confirm that there is no adult supervision, call your local police for assistance.
A few extra points
Older children (perhaps beyond 12 years of age) should travel in groups and remain in familiar neighborhoods.
Everyone should adhere to the hours for trick or treating as established by your community.
If you observe suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call police right away.
It really is a great time of year for our community; some say this is when the fall and winter holidays begin! So let’s start the season off by having a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
