Trick or treat is a special time for youngsters every Halloween.
Kids get dressed up in all sorts of costumes from the scary, like zombies or vampires, to the whimsical, like princesses, princes, or a super hero.
They go door-to-door, hoping for sweet treats from adults in the spirit of the season.
Rule No. 1 for trick or treat safety: Parents or a responsible teen should accompany the young ghosts and goblins on their rounds, especially since it will be dark during many local observances.
Police will be out in force, but they can't be everywhere.
Every child should carry and turn on a flashlight while out. Reflective and flame retardant material would be a good idea on costumes.
Rather than a mask, parents might consider painting their child's face to make sure their vision isn't impaired. Children also should travel in groups and stay in neighborhoods they know.
After making their rounds, parents should inspect each and every piece of candy in their child's trick or treat bag. We can't say this enough at Halloween: Safety first.
Of course, parents and youngsters need to know trick or treat times in their community. So, here they are:
Churchtown area, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25.
Williamstown, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
Marietta, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
St. Marys, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
Village of Lower Salem, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
Barlow/Vincent, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
Grand Central, 6 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27
Belpre, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30
Parkersburg, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30
Vienna, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30
Ludlow Township, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Beverly, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30
Little Hocking, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30
Palmer, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30.
