Other municipalities have halted the traditional Halloween celebration and switched, instead, to a centralized location, where youth can gather for a short time to get their treats in a safe environment.
It is unfortunate that safety must be the focal point of this long-standing ritual of going from house-to-house gathering treats. Where once our thoughts about safety were only focused on whether a child could actually see out of their mask or if they were going to trip on their costume, it has now become such a prominent concern that many question whether or not to allow their children to participate.
So, instead of munching on candy as they rustle through the fallen leaves on their way to the next house, our children must wait until they return home and we can look over each bit received to make sure nothing has been done to it.
Additional police must now patrol the streets on the designated night, making sure there are more treats than tricks.
It would be nice to return to the days when none of this was an issue. But it is and we do what we must to protect our children. We wish a safe and happy trick-or-treat night to everyone - no matter how or when you celebrate it.