Halloween meant for kids although adults share in the fun
Growing up in a rural community always stirs up happy memories when it comes to Halloween.
As a youngster, my folks seemed to enjoy the festivities surrounding the event, but they drew a line in the sand that after fifth grade it was no longer acceptable for us to have costumes or collect candy. They still welcomed children and their parents to stop by. Since my parents were business owners, they enjoyed seeing the kids of their employees.
School was always a fun time with teachers in costume, and they seemed to enjoy the festivities too.
Caramel apples and candy made for a memorable time, and school cooks would make a special lunch with a Halloween theme.
In college and early career years I was able to participate in the fun that often involved an adult beverage. As I like to say—those were the days—one of which included a blizzard and put activities on ice.
I often wondered whether my grandparents had similar memories. Growing up in a much more difficult economic time, there was no money to spend on costumes or parties. Living in the country meant few visitors anyway, but I remembered once going to their home where they welcomed my cousins, friends and neighbors. The grandparents seemed to enjoy having someone stop by. In-person visits were important in a time when social media and cell phones didn’t exist. In some ways they were better off than we are today.
(Pictured at top) Old antique tractor and farm equipment in an organic farm apple orchard with an arrangement of winter squash and pumpkins. (iStock │ #903081770 – laughingmango)
Halloween has been impacted by the time change decisions made by Congress. In many states standard time doesn’t kick in until 2 a.m. Nov. 2, so trick-or-treaters and their families can their stops in before it gets dark. At first, I thought this was “sacrilegious” to not let kids enjoy the evening in the dark, but working in the media, changed my perspective. After covering a serious accident because a driver could not see a kid in costume and an accident nearly led to a tragedy so having an extra hour of sun in the evening, I think has made a difference.
It is an important talking point about youngsters venturing out on Oct. 31.
Safekids.org notes that on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit be a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Several tips offered by Safekids.org includes:
• Carry glow stocks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear weight colors to help kids see and to be seen by drivers.
• Parents should join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• Drivers should slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early to help spot kids from farther away.
• Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible because masks can limit a child’s vision.
Halloween activities provide joy for kids and smiles for adults. I’m hoping that will always be my perspective.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
