Safety first at Halloween on the Square

To take the danger out of trick-or-treating, Lebanon will once again host the annual Halloween on the Square, which  offers something for every ghoul and a safe place for kids to trick or treat without walking dark roads and risking close encounters with motorists.

The “Trick or Treat Party” will be Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the much anticipated coffin race taking off at 7:30 p.m.

The event will include 35 candy stations so trick or treaters can fill up on loot, a balloon man, face painting, games, inflatables, free hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and much more. Once again, First Baptist Church will be offering free hayrides from the church to the square during the event and the Lebanon Square will be blocked off for safety.

Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen touts the event as a safer alternative to traditional trick or treating. For children who are planning to trick or treat in neighborhoods, he urged caution.  

"Make sure they have a light with them. We usually don't run into anything major, just the vandalism stuff, toilet paper," Bowen said. "Our biggest fear is the traffic safety. There is a lot of foot and vehicle traffic. You almost want to treat it as a school zone. For smaller children make sure there is a parent or guardian with them. It's usually a busy night for us."

He added that parents of teens need to be informed of where their kids are on Halloween night. For adults, he gave the same advice he gives before any holiday.

"Don't partake of too much alcohol," he cautioned. "But we will have extra patrols out that night."

Staff writer Mary Hinds can be reached at 444-3952, ext. 45 or maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com.