Zanesville trick-or-treat date questioned during council meeting
August 27, 2018
Zanesville City Council members are in the process of solidifying the 2018 trick-or-treat date and time.
Traditionally, it falls on the night of Halloween from 5:30-7 p.m. unless the holiday falls on the night of a Zanesville football home game, according to council member Joey Osborn.
That is what is being suggested this year with Halloween falling on a Wednesday, but one council member is opposed.
During Monday night’s meeting, Osborn voted for the second reading regarding the date and time, but voiced her opposing opinion out of consideration for her constituents.
According to Osborn, parents and community members have expressed concerns about trick-or-treat falling on a weekday and during a time which makes it difficult to make it home from work in time to be prepared.
“5:30 is really difficult for working families,” said Osborn. “If someone works until 5:00, they have to get home and get kids dressed and possibly fed for the evening before they go out and fill up with candy. That can be a challenge.”
Osborn said she’d like to see trick-or-treat moved to a weekend, perhaps even in the afternoon, so young children are home before dark and able to eat dinner and get ready for bed.
“Trick-or-treat is great for everyone, but it’s really magic for our younger kids,” said Osborn. “They’re the ones that get dressed up and really believe they are who they are in costume and really have a good time.”
Further, Osborn suggested an earlier end time so the youngest trick-or-treaters are home before dark.
Osborn has created a public survey for Zanesville residents to voice their opinions online before the date is voted on for the third and final time during the September Council meeting.
Phyllis Jewell • Sep 3, 2018 at 10:27 pm
I believe it would be safer in the daytime on a weekend most likely Saturday afternoon. Yes we use to go our after dark and it was fun, less dangerous, and most mothers were stay at home moms. Times have changed, both parents are working, and don’t have the time to go out during the week. If you want to have fun after dark have a costume party with family and friends. at some point doing the month of October.
Pat Spencer • Aug 28, 2018 at 2:39 pm
A lot of the city neighbor hoods has theirs on Sunday night from 5-7:30 and most kids are. done by 7 and it is still day light out. The city holds theirs on a week night and so a lot of the kids that go out on Sunday go again when the city has theirs. The city should make theirs City wide on Sunday night like the others do.
chris • Aug 28, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Well if you want no one home to give candy have it in the afternoon. Keep it the way it has always been and leave it alone. If you are worried about it have your babysitter help get the kids ready before you get there.
conway ham • Aug 28, 2018 at 12:10 pm
I think halloween is being ruined by being done so early the time needs set back to atleast 8:45-9 pm.
Lori Buchanan • Aug 27, 2018 at 10:49 pm
I think a weekend date would be so much better for Trick or Treat. I love this idea! It would be so much enjoyable for everyone—the children, parents, as well as the neighbors who hand out the candy. Safety is my top priority as well. It is also unfair to children who have to go to school the next day being rushed with homework and having to go to bed. A weekend would be more relaxed.