HANCOCK COUNTY — Kids know Halloween night is all about the candy, but adults know it’s all about safety.
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Hancock County communities and law enforcement agencies have set trick-or-treat hours and are asking county residents to abide. In addition, many communities have already played host to trunk-or-treat nights, giving children a chance to get treats in a safe, designated area.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department has set trick-or-treat hours in the smallest communities and unincorporated areas from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
In larger communities — Greenfield, Fortville and McCordsville — authorities have set hours from 5 to 8 p.m. New Palestine doesn’t really have set hours, officials said, but they advise parents to follow what other communities are doing and to make sure children don’t stay out too late on the school night.
Weather may be a factor: Rain is a possibility, and the temperature at sunset is likely to be under 50 degrees.
Public safety experts are reminding parents to be smart and vigilant.
“I want to stress to parents to keep an eye on their children; don’t go inside houses for candy; and to look both ways before crossing the road,” said Matt Holland, deputy chief of the Greenfield Police Department.
Chief Paul Casey of the McCordsville Police Department went a step further: When crossing a street, parents and/or trick-or-treaters should be sure to make eye contact with the driver of an oncoming car before stepping into the roadway, he said.
“Motorists will need to be patient and alert due to the increase in pedestrian traffic,” Casey said.
Indiana State Police offer these tips for keeping the celebration safe:
–Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and falling
–Try makeup instead of a mask, since masks often obstruct a child’s vision. That makes tasks like crossing a street and going up and down stairs dangerous.
–Parents should make sure children wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes, especially if they’re wearing dark colors.
–Parents should make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. Mapping a safe route — so parents know where they will be — is also good idea.
–Stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
–The safest time to trick-or-treat is before dark. If children are out after dark, parents should make sure they have flashlights and travel on well-lighted streets.
Public safety officials remind trick-or-treaters not to eat any of their treats until they get home, where an adult can check out all the goodies first. Only unopened treats and those in their original wrappers should be eaten. If they receive fruit, parents should inspect it closely.
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Halloween Hours in Hancock County’s smallest communities and unincorporated areas are 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
Greenfield: 5 to 8 p.m.
Fortville: 5 to 8 p.m.
McCordsville: 5 to 8 p.m.
New Palestine: No set hours, but officials said parents should consider times set elsewhere in the county.
Cumberland: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
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Families that want to forego trick-or-treating can still enjoy the experience with trunk-or-treat events. Here is a list:
Oct. 29
Greenfield Church of Christ will have trunk or treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the church, 1380 S. State St. Children can come in their best costumes and join in a night of fun and treats. Candy, allergy-friendly treats, apple cider and hot cocoa will be provided. The event will be moved inside if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Oct. 31
The Eastern Hancock Honor Society is sponsoring indoor trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school, 10320 E. County Road 250N. The event is designed to offer a safe place for families to enjoy trick-or-treating at a Halloween carnival that includes a haunted maze. Admission is $1 or a donation of one canned food item per person.
Charlottesville United Methodist Church is having its trunk or treat from 5 to 7 p .m.
Bradley United Methodist Church will have a trunk or treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, 210 W. Main St., Greenfield. Start in the side parking lot with decorated trunks and then go into the church with decorated classroom doors and a hotdog meal in the fellowship hall. This is a free event for anyone to attend. Information: 317-462-2662; bradleyumc.org
Brookville Road Community Church‘s Harvest Hoedown begins at 6 p.m. at 7480 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine. It features carnival food, games, inflatables and candy.
Living Streams Community Church will have trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 7061 N. County Road 600W, McCordsville. It will feature candy, hot dogs, bonfire and a bounce house. Information: livingstreamscc.org
New Life Church will have trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 501 N. Buck Creek Road, Cumberland. Information: connect2newlife.org
Northside Christian Church‘s Harvest Festival takes place in the church basement during Greenfield’s trick-or-treat hours. It features games, treats, hot dogs, donuts, etc. Use the back door.
Trinity Park United Methodist Church‘s “Light the Night” Halloween Event takes place at 6 p.m. in the Ministry Center gym of the church, 207 W. Park Ave. Information: trinitypark.net, 317-462-4303
Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield will have trunk or treat from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church, 1450 W. Main St., Greenfield. There will be stops both outside and inside, and if the weather is really cold or rainy then mostly it would be inside. Information: 317-462-4586, cbcgreenfield.org
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