Zanesville trick-or-treat date questioned during council meeting

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By Christine Holmes, News Director

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.