Halloween trick-or-treat hours set for 4 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 22, 2024 - Residents across the Village are preparing for a spooky swarm in the streets of Oak Park this Halloween.

Hours for Halloween trick or treating in the Village are 4 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. Parents are encouraged to accompany young children, especially after dark, and inspect all treats.

Other safety tips include:

• Use make-up instead of masks
• Choose flame-retardant costumes
• Wear light-colored clothing at night or add reflective tape to dark colored costumes
• Give and accept only wrapped and packaged candy
• Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay
• Stay within your neighborhood and visit only homes you know

Households not participating in trick-or-treat are encouraged to turn off their lights or post a sign on their door to discourage unwanted visits. Conversely, households that are accepting trick-or-treaters can post a sign indicating trick-or-treaters are welcome. 

Teal Pumpkin Project

With one in 13 children living with food allergies, the Teal Pumpkin Project is a campaign to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for those with allergies or other medical conditions. 

Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters.

The project is spearheaded by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) group. Its website offers some ideas for non-food treats and allergy-safe tips for trick-or-treating, as well as a map of locations participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Cultural Sensitivity

Dressing up in costumes can be one of the joys of celebrating Halloween for all ages.

Keep in mind that some costumes play on stereotypes of cultures and are hurtful to those who identify with that culture. Avoid any costume that perpetuates racist stereotypes or mocks disabled people.

The following links provide more insight:

• “While it might seem tricky, it’s a treat being inclusive for Halloween” (The Diversity Movement)
• “Inclusive Halloween” (University of British Columbia)
• “Is my Halloween costume offensive? What to know about cultural appropriation” (USA Today)

Traffic safety

Fallen leaves or inclement weather may slow stopping time so please maintain slow speeds on Village streets. Officers will be out in force to help ensure a safe holiday on the roads.

Only blocks that have been approved by the Village to host a block party on Halloween are permitted to close streets during trick-or-treating hours.

Parking vehicles or placing other immovable objects near an intersection is strictly prohibited as it prevents first responders from accessing the roadway in the event of an emergency.

Any vehicles parked illegally in an intersection may be ticketed are subject to ticket and fine.

For more information on Halloween in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/halloween.

For safety information, call 708.445.3300 or 708.386.3800, or email fire@oak-park.us or police@oak-park.us.