Merchant trick-or-treat events are growing in popularity. Parents love the safety factor of these events and kids love the abundance of treats that local merchants have at the ready. If you’re looking for a fun and safe place to take your kids trick-or-treating on Halloween night, look no further than Old Town Auburn.
Here are three reasons why you should bring your entire family to Old Town Auburn on Halloween:
1. Old Town Auburn Puts the “Safe” in Trick-or-Treat
Old Town merchants take safety seriously on Halloween.
Over 120 locally known and trusted vendors in Downtown and Old Town Auburn are participating in the Safe trick-or-treat event this year during the bright, daylight hours of 1 P.M - 4 P.M. Why during daylight hours?
Daytime events give your ghouls, superheroes, princesses, and fairies (as well as all motorists) lots of light to see by and reduces the threat of vehicle traffic.
Speaking of vehicles...
Old Town Auburn has low speed limits for vehicles passing through the area and ample sidewalk space to keep your little ones out of the street. Not all Auburn neighborhoods can say the same.
If you’ve been worried in the past about your kids being exposed to fast-moving vehicles or inadequately lit neighborhoods, then bring them to Old Town this Halloween instead.
2. Old Town Auburn is Fun for the Entire Family
While the little ones will have a blast throwing on their costumes, collecting candy, and participating in the games and costume contest at Herschel Young Park, older kids and adults are also in for a good time in Old Town Auburn.
Old Town has an enjoyably spooky atmosphere. Having been around since the Gold Rush era, this historic setting is perfect for those who want an authentic haunted vibe without the scare of a “haunted house.” Your older kids and teens will love to know that the building that now houses Crimson Tattoo was once an undertaker’s building, and some of the local shops have haunted histories and ghost stories to share.
As for mom and dad, Old Town Auburn’s stores, art galleries, and restaurants provide plenty of extra incentive to come out and play. The event’s early end time gives you just enough time to do a little shopping before strolling into one of your favorite local eateries to enjoy an early dinner or happy hour special prior to heading home.
3. Making Old Town a Halloween Tradition is Good for the Family
Safe Trick-or-Treat is an annual event in Old Town Auburn, making it a perfect choice for a steadfast family Halloween tradition.
Traditions are very important in families for establishing continuity and connections.
Research has revealed that routines and traditions are an important part of healthy families. Traditions give security to young people, providing a sense of continuity and routine that they can depend on year after year. Children will remember the special experiences of family traditions more than toys and gifts.
If you’re looking for a new tradition to start for Halloween, the Safe trick-or-treat events in Auburn can’t be beat.
Did you know? Halloween’s roots stretch back 2000 years, first planted in an ancient Celtic tradition known as Samhain. People would don costumes to observe summer’s end and leave out foods for spirits to keep them amiable.
Why Parents Love Safe Trick-or-Treat Events
Sure, you’re going to check your kids’ candy after they trick-or-treat. But most likely, the only thing you’ll find is a bite-sized treat or two for yourself. While it’s a good habit to inspect their bags before setting them loose on their haul, the biggest dangers of Halloween are usually found outside of their treat bags.
While some fears fall under the category of better safe than sorry, there is a safety concern for children on Halloween that is anything but a myth. The dangers of children being out in the dark with vehicles present are very real.
According to the National Safety Council, October is a particularly scary month for pedestrian accidents involving children with pedestrian injuries beign the most common injuries to children on Halloween.
Even More Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
- Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
Merchant trick-or-treating events are growing in popularity, and for good reason. Parents who’ve participated in these events often feel like their children are safer approaching merchants and business owners rather than unknown residential homes, and prefer to have their kids trick-or-treating in brightly lit areas with fewer risks from the road.
Keeping kids safe while trick-or-treating is easier when you have an entire community of merchants and business owners dedicated to making sure everyone has a safe, sane, and happy Halloween. Come on out to Auburn on October 31st, and see why everyone agrees that Old Town is hands-down the best place to trick-or-treat.