Don’t be a lazy bones when local Halloween festivities abound

    From infants to senior citizens, the people of Holyoke won’t be without plenty to do for Halloween this year.
    Starting out the weekend prior to Halloween, a Mission Impossible Halloween alternative for JR/SR high school students will be hosted by Youth Challenge at Camp Machasay, 61360 County Road 40, Amherst. The free event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, with pizza and the ultimate spy game to follow. A bus will be leaving from in front of the Peerless for those needing a ride. Meet there at 5:30 p.m., and expect to be back around 9 p.m.
    Also on Saturday, Holyoke Vets Club is hosting a Halloween dance from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m., for those age 21 and over.  Costumes are optional, but there will be a contest judged at midnight with prizes for the best costumes.
    Sunday, Oct. 29, is closing day at Pumpkins and More A-Maiz-ing Farm. It will be open Friday from 4-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. The Haunt opens at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
    On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Highline Electric Association is promoting safe trick-or-treating by giving away glow bracelets. Stop by the Holyoke office Tuesday before 5 p.m. to keep kids visible Halloween night.
    Residents of Regent Park and Carriage House will be having a joint celebration Halloween day. At 2:30 p.m. they will have a Halloween dance. Kids and community members are welcome to come show off their costumes. At 3:15 p.m., residents will have their Halloween party.
    After dinner, around 6-6:30 p.m., residents will be prepared to receive trick-or-treaters.
    At Melissa Memorial Hospital, trunk or treat will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. There will be fun, candy and festivities in a safe environment.
    The 66th annual Holyoke Lions Club Halloween costume contest will pick up where the trunk-or-treating leaves off. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Holyoke High School old gym, kids from birth through fifth grade can show off their costumes. Everyone will receive a prize, and first, second and third place will be recognized in each age group.
    To finish off Halloween night with a thriller, the Peerless Theatre is having a special Tuesday showing of Stephen King’s “It,” starting at 7 p.m.

Remember police department guidelines for a safe Halloween
Holyoke Police Department reminds parents and guardians that children under the age of 12 should not be out without adult supervision at night — this includes Halloween night. For older kids mature enough to go without an adult, stick to familiar areas that are well-lit. Always trick or treat in a group.
    While trick-or-treating, practice street safety. Cross the street at corners and in crosswalks, always being sure to look left, right and left again before crossing, continuing to look while crossing, as well. Take direct routes with as few street crossings as possible. Stay on sidewalks or paths. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
    Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing when a car is approaching and to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
    Keep costumes both creative and safe. Consider using reflective tape or stickers to decorate costumes and bags. If possible, dress in light colors.
    Face paint and makeup are a safer alternative to wearing masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Also make sure a costume fits well to prevent trips and falls. Carrying a flashlight or glow stick will also help children see and be seen by drivers.
    Drivers can help keep Halloween safe by taking extra precautions. 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, and enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
    Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn on headlights early to spot children from greater distances. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30-9:30 p.m., so be especially alert during that time this Tuesday. As always, eliminate distractions from the car to better concentrate on the road and surroundings.