CONCORD ó The city is promoting a Candy Crawl and an “After 8 Is Too Late” campaign to encourage early trick-or-treating on Halloween. The Candy Crawl runs from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 in downtown Concord.
Reasons why after 8 p.m. is considered too late, according to the campaign, are:
– Children are safer and more visible to vehicle traffic and other pedestrians before 8 p.m. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk for childhood pedestrian deaths and injuries is higher on Halloween evening than all other evenings.
– Older children tend to trick or treat later in the evening and are likely not supervised by adults. Going out before 8 p.m. may be a more enjoyable experience for younger children.
– Giving out treats is safer before 8 p.m. The city recommends residents turn off their porch lights at 8 p.m. to deter people from approaching the house to ask for treats.
– Darkness makes it difficult for children and adults to notice other risks such as animals, slippery leaves, fences, toys and other items left in the yard.
– Not everyone is out to have clean fun on Halloween, and mischief tends to occur in the later evening hours.