The city of Lancaster urges parents or adult guardians to escort their little ones on Halloween night as they troll local streets for bag-loads of treats. In celebration of the festive evening, the popular BooLVD Halloween and Harvest Festival will get things started from 3 to 7 p.m. tomorrow on The BLVD in downtown Lancaster.
Businesses on The BLVD will distribute candy and goodies (while supplies last), while groups and families may participate in a costume contest. There will be a baby contest as well. The Harvest Festival will feature carnival games, cookie and pumpkin decorating, “ghostly” train rides and a special corn maze for small children.
The city’s Public Safety Department and the Lancaster Sheriff’s station suggest the following tips and safety measures to make Halloween a fun time for all:
—Have children wear well-fitted costumes that are flame resistant and decorated with reflective material;
—Avoid masks which impair your child’s vision, or better yet opt for non-toxic face paint (test a small patch of skin for possible allergies or skin irrigation);
—Accompany children and watch for cars while remaining alert. Walk in a group, use crosswalks, and always look both ways before stepping off the curb;
—Carry along “glow sticks” or a flashlight with fresh batteries;
—Visit only those homes that are well lit, and never go inside.
—Parents are advised to inspect their child’s candy assortment for evidence of tampering or potential choking hazards. Only allow children to eat factory wrapped treats.
—If driving, slow down and reduce distractions inside the car. This is particularly true in residential areas near sundown until 9:30 p.m.
For more Halloween safety tips, visit www.cityoflancasterca.org/publicsafety. For details about BooLVD and Harvest Festival, visit www.cityoflancasterca.org/BooLVD.
