The leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air, and Oct. 31 is nearing on the calendar.
This Halloween make sure the kids have a fun, but most importantly, safe holiday.
Both Independence Township and the City of the Village of Clarkston have set their trick-or-treating hours from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. (Springfield Township does not regulate trick-or-treating hours.)
Clarkston Chief of Police Ernest Combs warns trick-or-treaters to stay on the sidewalks, look both ways when crossing streets, and have Mom and Dad check your candy before you eat it.
Sgt. Frank Schipani of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in Springfield Township adds children should avoid masks that obstruct vision and long clothes that a child could trip on.
“Children should never go out trick-or-treating alone, and trick-or-treat only at familiar houses. Children should always remain in sight of an adult, and use a flashlight,” Schipani said. “When in doubt, throw it out. Discard any candy that is open or appears to be tampered with.”
Most of all, Combs said, “enjoy your candy and have fun.”
If trick-or-treating is not for you or your children, the local communities also offer a variety of alternative activities on or around Halloween.
The Lewis E. Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park, located at 9501 Sashabaw in Clarkston, will hold a Halloween Spooktacular, Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7-10 p.m. The Organization for Bat Conservation will present a nocturnal animals interactive program, featuring live animals. There will also be an outdoor trick-or-treat trail, campfire and more. The event is suitable for school-age children and adults. Don’t forget to wear a costume! Cost is $4 per person. Call (248) 625-6473 for more information or to register.
If your children are too small, want more candy or bad weather has put a damper on your plans, head on over to Davisburg’s Hart Community Center, 495 Broadway on Thursday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. Come, wearing your costume and walk through this indoor, happily haunted trail and collect candy and small toys along the way. Juice and snacks will be provided after the kids have made their way through the trail. This event is for ages 12 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult through the trail. Cost is $3 for a Springfield Township child or $5 for nonresidents. Preregistration is strongly encouraged, but will be accepted at the door. Call Springfield Township Parks and Recreation at (248) 634-0412.
For young adults, the Christian atmospheric Club 5529 will host a costume dance party on Friday, Oct. 31. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $7 at the door. Club 5529 is located inside the Clarkston Christian Association at 5529 Sashabaw. Call (248) 620-4900 or check out www.5529music.com for more information.