OCT 30: Trick-or-Treating in Toms River Returns to "Traditional" Date

by
September 14, 2015
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TOMS RIVER-Since, seemingly the beginning of time, Toms River Township has held trick-or-treat on October 30th, the day before Halloween.  This was done to prevent conflicts between trick-or-treating and the nation’s third largest Halloween parade held down town each year.

In the past two years, the dates were reversed, but this year, they are going back to the way it was, allowing children in Toms River and neighboring towns the opportunity to double dip–trick-or-treating both nights.

In light of the fact that the 77th annual Toms River Halloween Parade sponsored by Toms River Volunteer Fire Company #1 will be held on Saturday October 31, 2015, Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher would like to advise residents that Halloween and the traditional ‘trick or treating’ activities will be observed on Friday, October 30th, 2015.

This was a mutual decision made by the Township, Toms River Fire Companies and the Toms River Police Department.

“Although the Township does not sanction or promote trick- or- treating since this is an individual parental decision, for reasons of public safety, specifically in conjunction with our Police Department, we strongly urge all parents to monitor the activities of their children on Friday, October 30th. The main concern the day before Halloween is extra children and families walking around.  Drivers are advised to keep a lookout for pedestrians through the evening. With your help, we can make this a safe Halloween for all,” said Mayor Kelaher.

While there is no official start and end time for trick-or-treating, Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little suggests that those who choose to go out do so between the hours of 2pm and 9 pm.

“We moved trick-or-treating back to October 30th so that residents would be free to come downtown and enjoy the parade on Halloween night.  We hope to see a large turnout this year,” said Carl Weingroff, Parade Chairman.

Photo by OCICS.com

 

For parade information, visithttp://www.trfc1.org/halloween.html.

Phil Stilton
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