BACON BITS: Make Halloween safe and fun

Posted 10/28/10

You've dusted off those fabric ghosts and plastic skeletons. I've dusted off my keyboard and my tap-dancing skills.

With one complete redheaded character costume waiting in my closet, there is only one thing left to do — no, say, no — …

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BACON BITS: Make Halloween safe and fun

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You've dusted off those fabric ghosts and plastic skeletons. I've dusted off my keyboard and my tap-dancing skills.With one complete redheaded character costume waiting in my closet, there is only one thing left to do — no, say, no — scream! TRICK OR TREAT!Oh yeah, and remind the ghouled folks of Powell to keep an eye on their tricksters and for kiddies to keep an eye on traffic — among other Halloween precautions. Time and time again, parents are reminded to have visible children — bright costumes, reflective tape on treat bags and flashlights. I have visions of a ghostly-looking fiend with a reflective traffic triangle on his back like a roadside buggy found in Amish country. The American Association of Poison Control Centers warn against the use of glow sticks because of the irritant dibutyl phthalate, “but rest assured that a taste amount is non-toxic,” said a press release. Other irritants to be wary of are face paint alternatives that kids will find and think they can use on their faces, such as shoe polish, random paints and other household products. I ask that parents assist their children if hair styling is on the agenda for the perfect costume. Curling- and flat-iron burns are not fun for anyone, nor is a hairspray shot to the face.And who could forget sweets and treats?For fears about bad candy and strange treats, don't trust any apple-toting evil queens. Stay away from fruits, homemade treats and rewrapped candy. OK, you can trust Aunt Betty's famous popcorn ball; it is best if you are well acquainted and trust the maker of special treats. If you miss the days of simple candies and special treats, think about alternatives, such as zany pencils, wacky erasers or even those hip new awkwardly-shaped bracelets commonly referred to as “Silly Bandz.” If you chose to keep your kids in a structured candy and fun-seeking environment, there are a few community events. The Powelloween Treat Street takes place Friday afternoon A haunted house is planned at the Park County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Hope Lutheran Church at Avenue H and Cary Street will host “trunk-or-treat.” Local churches will host a Harvest Carnival Sunday at The Commons. Remember to brush and floss those teeth. More importantly — have fun.

You've dusted off those fabric ghosts and plastic skeletons. I've dusted off my keyboard and my tap-dancing skills.

With one complete redheaded character costume waiting in my closet, there is only one thing left to do — no, say, no — scream!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Oh yeah, and remind the ghouled folks of Powell to keep an eye on their tricksters and for kiddies to keep an eye on traffic — among other Halloween precautions.

Time and time again, parents are reminded to have visible children — bright costumes, reflective tape on treat bags and flashlights. I have visions of a ghostly-looking fiend with a reflective traffic triangle on his back like a roadside buggy found in Amish country.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers warn against the use of glow sticks because of the irritant dibutyl phthalate, “but rest assured that a taste amount is non-toxic,” said a press release.

Other irritants to be wary of are face paint alternatives that kids will find and think they can use on their faces, such as shoe polish, random paints and other household products.

I ask that parents assist their children if hair styling is on the agenda for the perfect costume. Curling- and flat-iron burns are not fun for anyone, nor is a hairspray shot to the face.

And who could forget sweets and treats?

For fears about bad candy and strange treats, don't trust any apple-toting evil queens. Stay away from fruits, homemade treats and rewrapped candy. OK, you can trust Aunt Betty's famous popcorn ball; it is best if you are well acquainted and trust the maker of special treats.

If you miss the days of simple candies and special treats, think about alternatives, such as zany pencils, wacky erasers or even those hip new awkwardly-shaped bracelets commonly referred to as “Silly Bandz.”

If you chose to keep your kids in a structured candy and fun-seeking environment, there are a few community events. The Powelloween Treat Street takes place Friday afternoon A haunted house is planned at the Park County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Hope Lutheran Church at Avenue H and Cary Street will host “trunk-or-treat.” Local churches will host a Harvest Carnival Sunday at The Commons.

Remember to brush and floss those teeth.

More importantly — have fun.

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