Halloween – it’s on! (Updated)

In Rhode Island…

The RI Department of Health has its usual safety suggestions regarding mask wearing, etc. You can check them out at: https://covid.ri.gov/covid-19-prevention/protect-your-household

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The Union Fire District of South Kingstown Shares Tips for Halloween and Trick-or-Treating Safely

South Kingstown Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help residents and trick-or-treaters celebrate safely this season.

The UFD urge all families to protect themselves by taking appropriate precautions against COVID-19 as they head out to enjoy the fun that Halloween has to offer.

Costume Safety

Picking a great costume is an exciting part of Halloween preparation, and the Union Fire District encourages parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume:

All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant

Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision

or movement.

Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costume.

If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.

When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.

Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:

A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.

If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow.

Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.

Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.

Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.

Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.

Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of these additional safety tips regarding COVID-19:

Wear a face mask or face covering.

Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

Refrain from touching your face.

Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.

Driving Safety

The Union Fire District would also like to offer safety tips for those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours:

Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

Handing out Treats

If you will be handing out candy this year, the Union Fire District recommends these tips to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

Avoid providing candy via a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater.

Wear a face covering while distributing candy to trick or treaters.

Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy.

For Those Staying In:

Those who do not want to participate in trick-or-treating activities this year due to the ongoing pandemic can instead consider these lower-risk alternatives:

Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them, or at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.

Decorating your house, apartment, or living space.

Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a

distance.

Having a virtual Halloween costume contest.

Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.

Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.

The Union Fire District wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween season!

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Fun Facts from the U.S. Census

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Select Events for Halloween

Here is a selection of events – there are many more – check out your local libraries and businesses who may be helping get into the fun – one good search is: halloween in rhode island events children on Google! Just copy and paste it in and see by day events for children – and adults, too.

There are concerts and parties all around. Remember that National Grid is still working in many areas – last night Route 2 and Route 1 and many side roads in the southern part of the state had lights out – street lights blinking – and crews working. Careful out there! Go out early and come home early…

Treats Along the Trails at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown

Dress up the kids and head to the Norman Bird Sanctuary Saturday, October 30, from noon to 3 p.m. for Treats Along the Trails, a Halloween stroll featuring crafts, giveaways and treats. Wear your best Halloween costume and join us for a spooky afternoon on the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails.

Walk past the graveyard and into the woods, stopping along the trails at stations offering nature-themed crafts, giveaways, and yummy treats. Warm up by the campfire on the lawn of Mabel’s Studio and enjoy seasonal refreshments, including apple cider and baked goods. Treat table sponsorships are available.

Inquire by email to learn more via: [email protected]. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Children under three may enter for free. Please bring your own bag to carry the goodies you pick up along the trails. NBS tote bags will be available for purchase at the event. Register, here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/treats-along-the-trails-tickets-170346358544

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Halloween Touch a Truck, Garden City, Cranston

The Rotary Club of Cranston’s popular Halloween Touch a Truck event on Sunday, Oct. 31st from 10 am to 1 pm. Advance tickets suggested with a donation of $10 per family.

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Union Fire District Trunk-Or-Treat Event with First Responders

Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown are pleased to report that first responders in town hosted a successful trunk-or-treat event this past weekend. 

On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Union Fire District, the Kingston Fire District, the South Kingstown Police Department and the South Kingstown EMS co-hosted the event at the South Kingstown Senior Center. 

Residents gathered at the center Saturday evening to view decorations, enjoy candy and other goodies and take a close-up look at first responder vehicles. The event was free and open to all. 

As part of the event, South Kingstown Parks and Recreation also hosted their annual Pumpkin Path at the Broad Rock Trail with a large number of decorated pumpkins available to view.

The Union Fire District thanks all who attended the event and wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween. 

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Trick-or-treating at Wakefield Village Association’s Halloween Stroll 

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East Greenwich’s Halloween Parade and Spooky Outdoor Movie Night – moved to Sunday night

The Halloween Parade is being postponed to Sunday October 31st. It starts at Academy Field at 12:00 Noon. Kids are welcome to trick or treat on Main Street after the parade.Halloween games are still on for Saturday at Swift Gym from 10-12.Outdoor movie was moved to next Friday 11/5 @ 6:00 at Academy Field.

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Audrain Museum Cars & Coffee – Trunk or Treat – Fort Adams

10am to 1pm – sponsored by Audrain Museum. Cars must pre-register and there are many details of this event – best to check it out at: https://fortadams.org/event/audrain-museum-cars-coffee-trunk-or-treat/

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Trunk or Treat in North Kingstown

Bring the kids out in their costumes to enjoy a “Trunk or Treat” in our parking lot at 730 So County Trail North Kingstown, RI. From 1 -2:30pm it will be a safe, family friendly time of fun and plenty of CANDY!

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Pumpkins in the Park – Slater Park, Pawtucket

Pumpkins in the Park!! A spooktacular, family friendly event. Occurs Every Friday and Saturday night from 6 pm to 9 pm in Slater Park. October 30, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Event is in the Palladium next to the carousel. Please follow the Pumpkins In Slater FB page for updates about weather, etc. Kids up to 12 are free with adult ticket ($5.00)
Cash only.

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Olneyville’s Spook-tacular Halloween Party

October 29, 2021 – 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Olneyville Library, Children’s area, 1 Olneyville Square
Providence, RI 02909 – Come and join us dressed in your Halloween Costume!  Celebrate Halloween; singing hallo-scream Karaoke songs, spooky stories, and goodies!

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Play Time Halloween Costume Party

Bring the kiddos to Play Time in Smithfield in their favorite costumes (no Halloween makeup please) for an awesome Halloween costume party. Every child gets to decorate and take home pumpkins, Halloween craft kits ( for every age), a bucket filled with tricks and treats, games and more! At 151 Douglas Pike Smithfield.

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North Providence Library

Join the Children’s Department Staff for a FUN party games and a Halloween story! Children will then “Trick or Treat” in a parade through the library! Costumes are encouraged. Children ages 2-12 are required to wear a mask in the library. Registration is required. Sign up in the Children’s department, call 401-353-5600 ext. 5, OR register on our website, which is a brand new feature!

https://events.getlocalhop.com/halloween-party/event/bzDujnZezW/

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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

It’s music to our ears as the nationally acclaimed walk-through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is back and better than ever. Presented by Citizens, this year’s spectacular takes you from Joplin to Jay-Z, as we celebrate the greatest music from the last 150 years. Stroll, or dance your way, past thousands of intricately carved pumpkins displayed while listening to the soundtracks from 1860’s through today. Feast your senses on Rhode Island’s biggest and greatest pumpkin spectacular!

September 30, 2021 – October 31, 2021 at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI – Phone: 401-785-3510

Check here for tickets: https://www.rwpzoo.org/jols

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The White House

The White House will be lit up in orange to celebrate Halloween this weekend but there will be no in-person events to celebrate the spooky holiday due to President Biden and first lady Jill Biden’s international travel plans.

“The First Family encourages families and children to celebrate Halloween with trick or treating outdoors in their neighborhoods or other outdoor venues.”