Have a Happy and safe Halloween

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

C. Davis photo

When I was a kid out on the farm, we rarely came into town to do our Halloween festivities.  As a result, many of the treats that we collected on Halloween were homemade treats.  I got Carmel covered apples, rice crispy bars, naniamo bars, carmel corn, popcorn balls, cookies muffins, cupcakes and more.
We were not afraid to eat these treats from our neighbours as I had often eaten at their tables. They were delighted to see our costumes, and our delight at wearing them.  It was often cold enough that for them to see the costume, we would have to come in because it was full on winter, and the delicate fairy princess wings, or the pirate outfits were tucked in underneath a parka, mitts and toques.

Recognizing that it was a long drive to the next house and that we might only visit ten houses, they would load our pillow-case bags.  It was inconceivable that kindly Mrs. Johnson, or Fitzpatrick, or Bonertz down the road would ever deliberately hurt a child.  It was all safe to eat.

A Pincher Creek yard, ready for Halloween
C. Davis photo

Many of these ladies had children my own age, and these homemakers knew what the kids loved. I think that some of these women would plan ahead as a group who would be home, and have an idea of who and how many visitors they would have in the neighbourhood.  Some of them were showing off their best culinary talents, spending hours making an array of goodies for those that may drop by, saying that old chant, 'Trick-or-Treat'!

Even thirty or forty years ago, there were public warnings regarding tampered treats.  Horror stories of kids in the cities that had eaten candy that contained needles, or apples filled with razorblades had filtered in from "the grown ups".  Drugs and poison were mentioned in whispered tones, while adults nodded knowingly at one another. The night of Halloween meant terror in ways that I really could not imagine for parents of young, independent children in the cities.

I can see the logic to this on many levels.  Undoubtedly it is safer to be inside, away from traffic, and weather.  It is warmer to be in the mall. It is easy to create games and activities in a center, school, or daycare.

I will still feel sad for those children who will not once in their life know the security of being able to step up to a house and get a home-made treat, knowing that this is someone who would never, ever hurt them.

These ladies gave me a special gift.  I felt that they cared deeply for each and every child that came to their homes, that gave them a gap toothed grin that night.  Once I became an adult,  I was one that gave out the candy in the city.  It is a fast affair, taking mere seconds before the kids run to the next house.  Even that is passing into history.  Many parents will not let their kids go door-to-door, feeling it's too unsafe.  Malls and community centers are where the action happens, and the kids enjoy it. Inside they get to show off the costumes without the worry of frostbite.

Some Halloween safety tips:

• Drivers, please remember that kids are excited, might be wearing masks or costumes that may block some of their vision. Often children are trying to catch up with friends and older siblings.  A little extra caution, and awareness on the road may avert a disaster.
• Kids please remember your best road safety.  Look both ways, listen for cars, cross at the crosswalks.  Do not run out onto the road, or try to cross the road from between parked vehicles.  Be watchful when you are crossing a driveway.  This is supposed to be a fun evening.  Part of your job is to make it home safe.
• Wear reflective tape on your costume, especially if the costume is dark.  You can carry a flashlight or a glow stick so that you can see, and others can see you.
• Travel with a parent, older sibling, or friends.  If you are going out alone, try to arrange to take a cell phone with you.
• Let your parents check the candy you collect, to make sure that it has not been tampered with.  Anything that has been opened should be considered suspect, and not eaten.