Halloween is just around the corner
By Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean Times Contributor
It’s that time of year again, when leaves and intermittent snowfalls cover the ground and we can be thankful for every moment of sunshine. After two bouts of snow, everyone’s on high alert for the next one. Halloween is one of those days you hope the weather will hold.
Luckily, there are some events already scheduled for kids to enjoy, regardless of weather.
On Sunday, Oct. 27, Pumpkins and Play at the Strathmore Aquatic and Civic Centre goes from 1 to 5 p.m. Families can swim for just $10 and pumpkins will be available for carving for the first 100 kids. You don’t have to swim to carve a pumpkin.
Thursday, Oct. 31, the Town of Strathmore is hosting Halloween on Ice at the Strathmore arena from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be games from 1 to 2 p.m., then public skating from 2 to 3 p.m. Skating is $3 each and remember to bring your skates and a helmet.
With the excitement of Halloween children sometimes forget their safety rules, which can make the evening dangerous as drivers navigate roads. However, there are a few things parents/guardians, children/teens and motorists can do to make sure everyone celebrates safely. Strathmore RCMP offer some tips.
Parents and guardians:
• Know who your children are going trick or treating with and when they plan to return home
• Remind children to stay in their neighbourhood
• Remind children of which houses they can go to for safety if they get scared
• Remind children to respect others’ property by staying off lawns and gardens and avoiding houses with the lights off
Children and teens:
• Do not go trick or treating alone; go with a trusted adult or a group
• Let your parents know where you are going and for how long
• Stay in your neighbourhood and know where trusted people live
• Do not visit houses with the lights off
• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections
• Wait for an adult to inspect your candy before eating it
• Only eat things that are in unopened wrappers
• When you get home, keep your treats in a safe spot, away from small children and pets
Motorists:
• Drive slowly, especially in residential areas
• Approach intersections with extreme caution
• Limit distractions in your vehicle in case you need to react quickly
• If possible, avoid driving through subdivisions and areas full of trick-or-treaters
Costume tips:
• Wear light coloured or bright costumes, reflective tape and arm bands to increase visibility
• Wear properly fitted costumes and appropriate footwear to reduce your chance of slipping and falling
• Vision can be obstructed by masks. Wear makeup instead or make sure the mask has big enough eye openings to see clearly
• Dress for the weather conditions; wear layers underneath your costume if temperatures are cold
Strathmore RCMP will be patrolling the streets of Strathmore to ensure everyone enjoys Halloween safely.