Be respectful Saturday

Over the last generation Halloween has slowly morphed into an event that is less about door-to-door trick-or-treating than it is about costume parties -- such as the city's Super Safe Halloween Party at Hacker Middle School.

And more and more adults are getting into the swing of things with parties designed for them, not the kids, which is why the holiday is second only to Christmas these days in terms of retail sales.

But that doesn't mean there still won't be thousands of little ones out on the street this Saturday night going door to door hoping to fill their bags with candy.

Please use some common sense Saturday night. Costumes should be visible so drivers have a chance to see children darting into the street as they go house to house (and drivers need to be particularly careful that night).

Children should be accompanied by an adult. If you're too old for adult supervision you're probably too old to go trick or treating. That aspect of the holiday should be left to little kids. If you're too old to dress up like a fairy or a pirate you should probably go to a party or stay home and hand out the treats.

And don't forget basic etiquette. If the porch light is off, the people there don't want to be bothered. Maybe they're just grumps, but it could just as easily be that they're elderly, maybe they're sick (there's a lot of that going around right now), or maybe it's as simple as they have a dog that barks like crazy whenever someone rings the doorbell. Whatever the reason, respect their decision not to participate.

And avoid Halloween pranks. They're really not funny. Stealing a pumpkin or soaping a car are nothing less than theft and vandalism. Plus, between the crowds on the street, most carrying cell phones, and the large presence of law enforcement officers, all the costume disguises in the world won't prevent you from getting caught.

Halloween should be a fun night, with laughter and little princess giggles. Enjoy it, but be safe, be smart and be respectful.

-- Kelly Everitt