Parents asked to observe Halloween on Oct. 30

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in Public Safety Archives
Thursday, October 7. 2010
Comments (45)
Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, in conjunction with local mayors, police chiefs and county commissioners, is asking parents in Barrow County to observe Halloween trick-or-treating this year on Saturday, Oct. 30, instead of Oct. 31 when Halloween is traditionally celebrated.

“I have met with the mayors of all cities located inside Barrow County and their police chiefs and together, we all felt it would best if Halloween was observed on Oct. 30,” said Sheriff Smith.

Smith said public safety personnel will be out in force both nights.

“We want kids to enjoy the fun of trick-ortreating, but we want them to be safe,” Smith said. “This is why we are asking parents to recognize Halloween one day early, and take their kids trick-or-treating on Saturday instead of Sunday.”

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reminds parents and children to observe the following trick-or-treating safety tips:

•Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility.

•Small children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

•Older children should trick-or-treat in groups for greater safety.

•Never enter someone’s home without permission from parents.

•Do not eat any treats until a parent or responsible adult has inspected them.

•Walk only on sidewalks or the furthest edges of streets, against traffic flow.

•Cross streets only at intersections and not between parked cars.

•Approach only well-lit homes on a predetermined route.

•Attach reflective tape to treat bags for added visibility.

•Always walk, don’t run.

•Don’t cross through yards or alleys to get to the next house – use sidewalks.

•Make sure that masks are properly vented and do not obstruct visibility.

•Buy only flame retardant costumes or make a special homemade costume.

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#1 Not Trick or Treating in Bethlehem on 10/30 on 10/07/10 at 08:57 AM [Reply]
Why is this fair to the kids? Halloween is on October 31st - not the 30th. What difference does it make to go one day earlier? Most churches have all but wiped out Halloween for the kids anyway. We are going on the 31st but not in Barrow County just for this reason. You don't see the Gwinnett County Sheriff or Walton County Sheriff asking their resident's to change their trick or treating day. What business of yours is it anyway what day I take my child trick or treating? Its not - this is just one more example of Barrow County BS. The Sheriff needs to worry about getting the drugs and other crap out of Barrow County - that's waht my tax dollars pay you to do - not to request that we change our holiday plans to suite you and your dept. Get a grip sir and do the job that you were elected to do!
#1.1 Dave Willard on 10/07/10 at 12:29 PM [Reply]
Our elected Sheriff was asked to be the "public spokesperson" on this event. He does not make these decisions. There is no right to trick or treat. This is an event that has taken place for years. Choose whichever date you prefer (our family prefers the 31st). But please don't shoot the messenger here. Remember, this uproar happens every year that Halloween falls on Sunday. We are in the buckle of the "Bible Belt". All the Sheriff wants is for all of us to be safe look at the tips provided, not the day!
#1.1.1 Not Trick or Treating in Bethlehem on 10/30 on 10/07/10 at 02:21 PM [Reply]
If the Barrow BOC worried more about what goes on in the county than when our kids go trick or treating & other petty nonsense - then the county wouldn't be in half the shape its in now. County & city government should stick to county & government issues & stop assuming that we, as parents can't raise our kids. If I want parenting advice - I'll call my mother - not the Barrow BOC or City of Bethlehem.
#1.2 Anonymous on 10/07/10 at 04:07 PM [Reply]
Hey i have older kids and they do not go trick or treating anymore,but when they were younger do you really think they care what night they get candy on Come on who really has the problem with it? This is for your children not the adults and sat is a good day that way the can enjoy their candy and don;t have to go to school next day.
#1.3 supports sherriff on 10/10/10 at 05:59 AM [Reply]
It was not the sheriff that came up with this idea. It was the mayors, and police cheifs of the area cities. The sheriff was elected spokesperson, he had to do their "dirty work". And for the comment of keeping drugs off the street, what about the raid the other day that arrested 10 people for illegal drugs, and alochol. He is doing a great job and so are the people under him.
Go treat or treating whenever you like. Get it over it!
#2 rac76 on 10/07/10 at 10:41 AM [Reply]
This is just not right, and it's just pathetic. This doesn't happen when it falls during the school week, so why should it happen when it falls on a Sunday (oh that's right). It's just a silly little holiday, not something this is really that earth shattering. Nothing will happen if it stays on Sunday, expect people walking(shocker!), meeting their neighbors (another shocker!), and trying new stuff. Yes, you could say that it could happen on Saturday, but it is NOT the same. Plus having it on Saturday, is telling me how to live my life. In my house, Halloween is on Sunday, October 31st.
#2.1 maria on 10/07/10 at 11:21 AM [Reply]
I feel that maybe the Mayors and Sheriff should have asked the parents what we wanted ..I feel that my rights to celebrate Halloween has been taken away with out my knowledge or right to vote..
#3 Great Pumpkin on 10/07/10 at 12:11 PM [Reply]
So which day should we go? On Saturday, when the government wants me to, or Sunday when it's actually Halloween? Looks like there will be 2 nights of trick or treating this year!
#3.1 Cyndi on 10/07/10 at 03:42 PM [Reply]
There won't be 2 days of Trick or Treating at my house. As one of THE houses to get scared & good candy at in my neighborhood, y'all come here on Sunday. Saturday the lights will be off.
#4 Sep of church and state on 10/07/10 at 12:20 PM [Reply]
Ever hear of separation of church and state? Love your idea Great Pumpkin - looks like I will encourage my son and his friends to go on both nights, too.
How do they expect to convey this to every one? You really think every one in Barrow reads this newspaper?? I would have never known about this if I wasn't surfing the net!
#4.1 Amanda on 10/07/10 at 12:35 PM [Reply]
I agree with separation of Church and State.!
When government starts dictating your holidays is bad,bad news..No one asked the people what they wanted.They just decided.

Halloween is for Kids! Not government!
#4.1.1 MKR on 10/09/10 at 03:32 PM [Reply]
Didn't know paganism was so popular in Barrow.
#4.1.1.1 Cyndi on 10/12/10 at 01:06 PM [Reply]
Oh come on. It's not about "Paganism" or any other religion for that matter. As far as the kids are concerned, it's about dressing up, having fun & getting candy. Period. Other counties aren't "requesting" that it be changed, & neither does Barrow when it falls on a school night. Lighten up people. The County needs to just butt out, as they have now made it confusing. While decorating the other day, I had many neighbors walk by & say "Is it Sat. or Sun"? Now they get to spoil the kids even more by taking them out both nights, & teens will go out both nights. (You know who you are.) ;)
#5 sarah on 10/07/10 at 02:10 PM [Reply]
How about having Christmas only on a Sunday so most companies can save on holiday pay?
#6 Odins Eye on 10/07/10 at 02:45 PM [Reply]
Seeing how Samhain has been around for thounsands of years, I don't think I will allow anyone to tell me what day I can celebrate and honor the ancestors.
You puny kristians can stay home and look for satan in your brithces.
The rest of us good and true folk(you know who you are)will celebrate in true Heathen fashion.

Hail the gods!...Hail the ancestors!
#6.1 no name on 10/07/10 at 04:02 PM [Reply]
What did you say? that made no sense
#7 Please ,let us have Halloween on the 31. on 10/07/10 at 04:15 PM [Reply]
That does not make any sense..If we go out on Saturday,The next day my child is going to be way to tired to go to church on Sunday..
And will the parents get a ticket if they ignore the Sheriff and Politician?
#8 Christian on 10/07/10 at 07:38 PM [Reply]
For all you ignorant people, if you read, the sheriff didn't make this decision by himself. "In conjuction with...." means, with other people. It also says, "is asking parents to observe". No where did I read it say "Okay folks, we are changing Halloween to Saturday and it is not Sunday and if you trick-or-treat on Sunday then you will be locked up." They are only trying to do what is best fo r the community and keep safety in mind for all. You all can do what you want to do, your attitudes show that you will anyway. It was a mere suggestion. Get a life. You need to lay off and quit being so rude and ignorant. Take it for what it is, trick-or-treat on Saturday and Sunday if you want to!! And for the comment about "kristans" or however you spelled it, I am a Christian and proud of it. You can be too because God loves you and will forgive you! I think you people are always looking for an excuse to degrade someone and be rude. I agree with the officials who made this decision, because now my child can have fun and trick-or-treat and not have to be tired at school the next day, but you can bet we will be at church!!! Get a life people!!!
#8.1 Christian as well on 10/08/10 at 08:07 AM [Reply]
Well said. Thank you!!!
#8.1.1 Kathy on 10/11/10 at 03:30 PM [Reply]
Good Grief....Its embarrassing to see how many people cant spell in Barrow County..Christians.. with a "k"?
britches????
Just do whatever you want..You do anyway!!!!
Theres more important things to discuss than trick or treating.. How about elections in a few weeks??? Now thats worth your time and effort!
#8.2 just wondering ??? on 10/08/10 at 10:34 AM [Reply]
So Saturday is safer then Sunday...How so ?
Just curious ...And with conjunctions ,which you spelled it wrong. We the people ,or like you say
"YOU" people.Are hurt that the Mayors and Sheriff and the big top leaders of Barrow did not talk or ask the parents ..
I'm a child of god and proud ,but I'm also born in America and raised here in a country the we can have Freedom of Speech!We not being rude we just practicing are rights as Americans.
What is best for the community is the we the people can voice are opinions ..The people wants Halloween like the calendar said 31 st..
All I want is to understand why Saturday is safer then Sunday? from what I heard Saturday is usually the night that all cops work because more crimes are done on Saturday..And more wrecks..
I guess I see you at church,
we people
#8.3 rac76 on 10/08/10 at 10:41 AM [Reply]
It's not for public safety, if it was, then we would celebrate Halloween on Saturday every year while it was still daylight. Now wouldn't we? This is happening because it has fallen on a Sunday, and with that many of us are upset that TPTB are telling us that THEY prefer us to celebrate when THEY want us to. Since we elected them, it's a bit unsettling that they have chosen to pick to have this argument only because it has fallen on a Sunday. I don't remember any big hoopla over it when it was on another day of the week.
#8.3.1 Tina on 10/08/10 at 11:01 AM [Reply]
You are correct! It's because is on Sunday..
but they can't say that,because they will be breaking the law of (Separation Of Church and State.)
#8.3.1.1 d on 10/08/10 at 03:36 PM [Reply]
Has nothing to do with seperation of church and state.....Know what you are talking about..
#8.4 Anonymous on 10/08/10 at 03:40 PM [Reply]
WELL SAID!! I TOTALLY AGREE
#9 Good grief on 10/07/10 at 08:26 PM [Reply]
Good grief! You folks need to get a grip. Find something truly important to complain about instead of taking aim at Sheriff Smith and our law enforcement.
#10 confused on 10/07/10 at 10:16 PM [Reply]
I dont really understand why its important to argue about obviously they are looking out for the well being of the children. My child will go whatever day i choose and i understand why they say saturday.
#11 Just Sayin on 10/07/10 at 11:45 PM [Reply]
I am going to go ahead and announce that trick or treat will not be celebrated at my house until October 31. If you come on my property in the dark wearing a mask on oct 30th I will be calling Judd smith with a trespassing complaint Just sayin
#12 mario diaz on 10/08/10 at 11:56 AM [Reply]
what is the difference between celebrating halloween on a saturday rather than sunday? what danger does sunday pose? i would imagine that saturday would be more dangerous as more people tend to be out longer hours. dont take this away from the kids. would you celebrate christmas on the 24rd if it was on a monday? why not change thanksgiving to wednesday? celebrate the 4th of july on the 5th or 3rd? if the police will be out in force then what is the REAL reason? celebrate the 31st and dont let the authorities tell you when to celebrate something....remember they work for YOU !!!!!!
#13 karen on 10/08/10 at 01:42 PM [Reply]
If moving Halloween to Saturday from Sunday ,wouldn't that make the government prejudice to other religion?.We all understand why Barrow wants the celebration moved.If it fell on a Friday or any other day ,this would not been an issue..
I just wish they admit that is a religion issue instead of safety ...
just speak frankly.We not idiots.
#14 Carlo Cellucci on 10/09/10 at 02:48 PM [Reply]
What amazes me most is that this papper writes many stories about how all levels of goverment from Federal un down to the local levels, and never do they get this many posts on much more important issues then Halloween. This just might be why the country as it was founded is going down the drain.
Wake up People.
#15 4 th of July fell on Sunday.. on 10/11/10 at 12:05 PM [Reply]
4 th of July fell on a Sunday..
All I saw was grown -ups getting drunk and playing
with Fire-works..Why didn't the main head leaders of Barrow moved 4 th of JULY?
They say is Safety concerns? To move Halloween to Saturday.How about the safety concern with the drunks and fireworks on Sunday?
I just need to understand what safety issue they addressing..Is just small kids trick or treating for candies..Not getting drunk...
#16 Anonymous on 10/11/10 at 03:57 PM [Reply]
Why is everyone making a big deal about halloween and what day its going to be on. GIVE IT A REST!
#16.1 Anonymous on 10/12/10 at 06:11 AM [Reply]
The big deal is that ,we do not like the government dictating what day my child can go out for Halloween..I'm American ,I pay my taxes and I can speak for my self.I do not need some one telling me when or what day to celebrate Halloween.That's my Deal..
#17 Mike M. on 10/12/10 at 09:08 AM [Reply]
Halloween is NOT a holiday..... Hello people.
#18 Pro's and Con's on 10/12/10 at 09:40 AM [Reply]
If the official's are only concerned with safety....weigh the pros and cons of Saturday verses Sunday. Saturday..when all the drunks, drug addicts, drunk drivers, low life's go out looking for their good times verses Sunday...most (and I put that lightly)drunks, druggies are home getting over the hangovers, coming down off drugs, ect...to get ready for the work week on Monday. So my question would be...would I send my child out on the night when all the drunks, druggies and low life are out, or would I send them out when drunks, druggies, low life are mostly at home?? Why would the offical's want the CHILDREN of Barrow County out on the worst night of the two? Which in my opinion is Saturday. If you want to make this a religion issue, it only makes since to me, the children would be safer out there on Sunday when the Christians (or what ever religion you may be) are out traveling back and forth to church, rather than Saturday when all the drunks, druggies, and low life are out. I'm just saying.
#18.1 yeah right on 10/14/10 at 12:25 PM [Reply]
I seriously doubt that the drunks & drug addicts clean up their act on Sunday, so they can be responsible working citizens on Monday. They are out there doing what they do seven days a week.
#19 crimes.. on 10/12/10 at 11:31 AM [Reply]
Friday and Saturday is usually the busiest days in the task force..Sunday is not.
I do not understand why they say is a safety issue,I think is a religion reason.

Still church is in the morning ,Halloween is at the evening.Instead of making parents angry,just let things flow as it should be.
#20 wow! on 10/14/10 at 12:27 PM [Reply]
The passion of this debate is amazing! Too bad it isn't about anything of real importance.
#21 Christy on 10/18/10 at 08:20 AM [Reply]
Ok...so it looks like most people will be celebrating on the 31st...so how do we stop all the confusion going around...?
#21.1 Elena on 10/18/10 at 10:31 AM [Reply]
I agree with Christy I will celebrate Halloween on 31 st .But how do you stop the confusion there is no way I can afford giving candies twice..
#22 Mike on 10/22/10 at 02:50 PM [Reply]
To the Barrow reporter:

Could you find out specifically why Saturday is considered safer than Sunday, since that's the reason being given for their suggesion.

Thanks
#22.1 Kristi Reed on 10/22/10 at 03:28 PM [Reply]
Please see the follow-up story:

http://www.barrowjournal.com/archives/3935-Halloween-request-generates-controversy.html
#23 Bryan on 10/30/10 at 06:16 PM [Reply]
Thanks Barrow County for confusing people...
#24 cathy on 10/30/10 at 11:40 PM [Reply]
I heard that in "Jacob Walk " subdivision T-0-T turn out bad..Many had no clue it was today and just told the parents to come back tomorrow..
one house said that 11 alive News did not issue that statement..LOL.
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