Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

What are you going to be for Halloween? Area children pose this question to their friends while making preparations for an evening of trick-or-treating, parties, parades and costume contests.

The festivities in Versailles will begin on Thursday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m. A parade and costume contest will be sponsored by the Versailles American Legion with prizes going to the scariest, prettiest, the most original, as well as other categories.

Osgood, Milan, Holton and Napoleon will conduct trick-or-treat on Saturday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. Trick-or-treat for Sunman residents will also be on October 31 from 6-8 p.m.

The Osgood American Legion will sponsor a parade beginning shortly after the candy collecting has ended in front of the Osgood Town Hall. There will also be a costume judging contest and treats for the participants.

The ghosts and goblins living in Napoleon will have the chance to attend a party at the Napoleon Senior Center at 7 p.m. There will also be a costume judging contest, according to town clerk/treasurer Karen Rohlfing.

The Sunman American Legion Auxiliary will sponsor a costume contest before trick-or-treat begins from 5-6 p.m. at the American Legion on Eastern Avenue.

While going from door to door demanding “tricks or treats” from the neighbors is fun for the children, it is also important to remember the following safety tips.

When choosing a costume, consider using make-up rather than a mask in order to ensure that the child will be able to see to cross the roads. If using a mask, make sure the eye holes allow for good side vision and that the mask does not interfere with breathing.

Well-fitting, sturdy shoes are a must for walking. Shorten the costume so that the child will not trip especially when crossing the street. When purchasing a costume, look for tags that indicate that it is fireproof and that has reflective materials. Reflective tape can be purchased and placed on the costumes, bags and shoes to make the child more visible to motorists in the fading, evening light.

Parents should plan a safe route for their children and plan to stop at familiar homes. It is important that parents accompany their young children. Unattended children can become a safety issue, according to Milan Town Marshal Gary Skaggs. “I would like to see parents or guardians walking with the children,” he said.

Other common safety issues should be kept in mind while having fun. Remind children to never go into a stranger’s home or vehicle or to stray away from the group. A flashlight will help to show the way as the sun goes down as well as allowing motorists to see the group walking down the street.
Motorists should also be aware of the above hours of this time-honored event in Ripley County and be on the look out for children crossing the streets.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO If you're passing by 114 E. 1st North Street in Versailles, don't be afraid. There are friendly ghosts and goblins in the front yard to greet you. Maestro is at the piano and (not pictured) to the right of the piano is a coffin that opens and shuts and more Halloween fun. Many places throughout the county have gone all out to decorate their yards and homes.