trick or treating - WKTV Journal

Halloween is a great time for kids. The Michigan State Police want to keep it that way. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Every year that Halloween falls on a Sunday, there is a debate as to whether trick-or-treating should be Saturday or Sunday. For most students, it’s a winner year because trick or treating is on both days and 2021 is no exception.

For most municipalities, trick or treating is not a city-sponsored event, however several do make a suggestion of the best time to celebrate.

According to Wyoming officials, the City of Wyoming does not dictate hours for trick or treating, so families and neighbors can decided what works best for them.

Checking through Next Door and the Wyoming Informed Facebook and it seems many Wyoming residents are preferring to have trick or treating on Sunday, Oct. 31. With that in mind, it is best to check with neighbors on which day they plan to have Halloween activities.

Wyoming’s neighbors to the south, Byron Center, have also not declared a date for trick or treating. Township officials are recommending that residents contact their neighborhood association or neighbors for trick-or-treating times.

The communities east and west of Wyoming — the City of Kentwood and the City of Grandville — are both recommending that trick or treating be done on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. This also is true for the Village of Caledonia and Cutlerville, which is option for Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 – 8 p.m.

The City of Grand Rapids has decided to keep it traditional with trick or treating scheduled for Sunday from dusk to 8 p.m.

For a West Michigan trick-or-treating schedule, visit GRKids by clicking here.

According to local police, drivers should be extra alert on both Saturday and Sunday. According to the Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Some trick-or-treat safety tips are:

Children of any age should be accompanied by a an adult.

Cross the street only at corners or crosswalks. Do not cross the street between parked cars.

Carry a flashlight. Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible.

Accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

Only visit homes that have the porch light on.

Stay in familiar neighborhoods. Plan your route and share it with your family and stay in a group.

Stay in populated and well-lit areas. Do not cut through back alleys or fields.

Make sure all costumes are flame retardant. Avoid walking too close to open fires, candles, and jack-o-lanterns.

Make sure an adult inspects all candy before eating it. Do no eat candy that is already opened.

Be sure to follow community curfew rules.

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Downtown Zeeland Trick or Treat event will be held on Oct. 29. This marks the 9th Trick or Treat on Main Street event provided by West Michigan Community Bank.

The Trick or Treat event will take from 3-5 p.m. downtown Zeeland. Main Street will be closed between Elm Street and Church Street to create a safe area for Trick or Treating. Come rain or shine!

This event provides a safe, family friendly environment for younger children to participate in Trick or Treating while promoting the City of Zeeland’s downtown businesses. Children are invited to participate in this event instead of, or in addition to, city-wide Trick or Treating! City wide trick or treating is scheduled on October 30th from 5 to 8 p.m., houses with exterior lights on indicate homes welcoming trick or treaters.

Children are invited to pick up a bag from West Michigan Community Bank volunteers at the tent located in front of 130 E. Main Street. From there, children can Trick or Treat by entering the participating businesses. Savor the goodies provided by downtown businesses and have fun saying hello to Zeeland’s downtown merchants. Complimentary donuts provided by Zeeland Bakery and apple cider. There will be a photo station at 152 East Main.

Also on site, the Zeeland BPW, Zeeland Police Department and Zeeland Fire Department will be giving Trick or Treating safety tips and providing fun for all ages. Come check out the fire truck and police car!