Every year on Halloween, Will and I have the same discussion. He laments the fact that so many older kids come around trick-or-treating without costumes on, coming by later in the evening than the goblins, princesses, super heroes, cowgirls, furry animals and creatures from out-of-this world. I tell him the evening is all in the name of fun; it doesn't matter whether they have a costume on or not. Will continues to pester the candy-craving pr-teens queries like "What are you dressed as?" or "Where is your costume?" Dude, let it go....
Well, it turns out there are places where this would not be allowed, and DH is actually right {gasp}. There are cities that regulate the who, what when and where of trick-or-treating. Whether these laws are strictly enforced is subject for debate.
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In Walnut, CA you must have a permit to wear of mask or disguise of any type on a public street.
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In a handful of towns in VA restrict trick-or-treating to kids under the age of 12 years of age and define the hours of trick-or-treating from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Women can't wear corsets in Merryville, MO; so, plan costumes accordingly.
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No one can impersonate a member of the clergy in AL.
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In Dublin, GA those over 16 are not permitted to wear sunglasses, masks, hoods or other such get ups that conceal their identities.
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In Belleville, IL children up to 8th grade are allowed to trick-or-treat; the mayor says trick-or-treating is for younger kids only.
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No goofy mustaches in AL; at least none that will make people laugh in church;
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In Rehoboth Beach, DE if Halloween falls on a Sunday, trick-or-treating will be on done on Saturday, October 30th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. instead.
Does your city have any restrictions on how you celebrate Halloween? Either way, use caution and good sense while trekking through the darkened, spooky streets of your neighborhood; statistically, it's a dangerous night. Need some safety tips? Here are two posts from last year on costume safety and general Halloween safety.
Have a creepy, fun night with your little creatures! Bwahahahahaha! Over and out....
Anna
I will never let it go. If you trick or treat you should have a costume on.
Posted by: Will | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Will, I'm with you on this one. No costume, no candy once you've reached puberty!
Posted by: Kelly | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Interesting and amusing info! Really love the pic!!
Posted by: TLM | Monday, October 31, 2011 at 07:26 PM
Almost all towns/cities in Wisconsin have set trick-or-treating hours and sometimes it's not even on Oct. 31. I HATE it.
And I'm with Will on the costumes. Though I don't really care much about their ages.
Posted by: Jen | Sunday, November 06, 2011 at 09:31 PM