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By Cara Beth Lewis

Trick-or-Treating is one of the most beloved and practiced Halloween traditions. Children (and children at heart) have the opportunity to dress up, hang out with friends and family, and collect candy on Halloween night, traditionally. On this Halloween, there are several different trick-or-treating options in Bladen County.

The ringing of doorbells and soliciting of treats, known as Trick or Treating, goes way back. According to history.com, the practice can be traced to the ancient Celts, early Roman Catholics, and 17th Century British Politics.

The phrase “trick or treat” does not have precisely known origins; However, by 1951 was the practice was commonly known and well-established. In the early 50s, the Halloween activity was demonstrated on a Peanuts comic strip and by Disney, featuring Donald Duck.

Town Trick or Treating Information:

Elizabethtown: 5:30 – 9 pm in the city limits of Elizabethtown for children 12 and under. Children who are nine years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

White Lake: 5 – 9 pm for children 12 and under. Children who are nine years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Bladenboro: 6 – 8:30 pm for children who are 12 or younger. Those who are 9 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult. A 10:30 pm curfew has been set for teenagers and adults. Those who are 13 or younger have a 9:30 pm curfew.

Dublin: The town of Dublin has no restrictions or set times for Trick or Treating.

Clarkton: BladenOnline contacted the town of Clarkton by phone but was unable to reach anyone.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS (from safekids.org)

Walk Safely

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes for a Safe Halloween

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Get rid of any distractions – like your phone – in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Trick or Treating should be a time of fun for everyone involved. Safe practices are extremely important on a night like tonight. Extra caution is key!

The team at BladenOnline wishes you a safe and happy Halloween!