Halloween is in the air. Despite the holiday coinciding with home football games, towns in the area are gearing up for their annual trick-or-treat events.
The Stroud Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event on Main Street on Friday night. The event is set to take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce is also hosting its annual Downtown Trick or Treat event from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Businesses not located in Manvel are invited to set up tables along the sidewalk in front of the courthouse. This year, the chamber is adding a pet costume contest at 6:15 p.m. in front of Hite Drug, offering prizes for first, second and third place. Pets must be restrained in some way.
The Wellston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Trunk or Treat event starting at 5 p.m. along Second Street in the town.
The Meeker Police Department, along with Fire and EMS, will host Cops n’ Goblins on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., handing out bracelets and candy.
For families planning to continue trick-or-treating after town events, the Red Cross offers some tips for staying safe. Make sure that trick-or-treaters can see and be seen -- use flashlights and have kids wear light-colored clothing, if possible. Or add light-reflecting tape to costumes. Opt for face paint rather than masks. The organization also recommends making sure adults know where kids are going and to accompany them. Be cautious around dogs and other animals and walk -- don’t run. It also recommends only visiting homes with porch lights on and to only accept treats at the door.
If no sidewalk is available, be sure to walk at the edge for the roadway facing traffi c.
Look both ways before crossing streets. Lastly, the Red Cross recommends that adults check all the treats before eating.
For those planning to offer treats, the Red Cross recommends lighting the area well so visitors can see, as well as clearing walkways and porches from obstacles like leaves.