Halloween candy distribution method gets ‘tossed’
A borough Halloween tradition is changing in a bid to keep kids safer.
In the past, participants in the annual Halloween Parade threw candy goodies to children along the route.
This year, the borough will instead set up four distribution stations where candy will be handed out.
“Candy is still going to be distributed on Halloween and for public safety reasons and the safety of our children it will be distributed differently,” Mayor Jordan Norley said. “Nonetheless, our children are going to have more sweets than they can eat.”
Keith Kurowski, director of Parks and Recreation, said that in past years, some children had been “overly aggressive getting to the freebies.”
Several staff members talked about the changes, and after discussions with police, the borough decided to make the switch.
Kurowski was fearful that one of about 25 parade floatsmight injure an unattended child, or amarching band member with a flag or mock rifle might mistakenly strike a youngster.
“They won’t have to struggle with other children who are trying to get the same thing,” Kurowski said. “We prefer to be proactive rather than reactive.”
Kurowski said that typically 1,000 to 1,200 community members directly participate in the parade which is viewed by up to 5,000.
Businesses and individuals will be able to donate, and receive recognition for it, at this year’s parade scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., with a rain date set for Oct. 26.
Sherri Wark, of Westtown, has both attended and participated in the annual fall tradition with her three children, now aged from 8 to 11, for at least five years.
“Traditionally the kids are excited about going and getting candy as well as watching the people,” Wark said. “I like the fact that kids can still get candy, although it may be a little difficult for the little ones to get candy in a less crowed area.”
Wark said that most paradegoers are excited to receive candy at Halloween.
“It’s a family-friendly event, and they can still get their candy which makes it a more enjoyable evening,” she said.