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The Copper Country will be invaded by spooks, witches, ghosts, superheroes and other extraordinary creatures as Halloween arrives this evening.
Most municipalities have set official trick or treat hours beginning at 5:00, and running until 7:30 or 8:00. Weather is expected to be dry and pleasant, with light winds, and temperatures in the low to mid-50s.
There are a couple of organized activities for kids and families today.
The Chassell Lions Club will hold its annual community Halloween party at the VFW hall beginning at 6:00. A costume parade with cash prizes in all age groups from infant to senior citizen will begin the evening followed by old-fashioned games with candy prizes. Refreshments will be served. This annual event has been providing safe fun since the 1950’s.
For the first time, the Bluffs will open its doors to trick or treaters this evening from 6:00 until 7:00.
On the streets, safety is the watchword, starting with those who will be driving this evening. The organization Safe Kids Worldwide says that, on average, kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day.
Aspirus Keweenaw has passed on some trick or treat safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and bags. Light-colored clothing is best.
• Have everyone carry a flashlight or glow sticks—so they can see where they’re going, and drivers can see them.
• Choose costumes that allow your child to see clearly and are short enough to prevent tripping. Face paint or make-up is best. Masks should fit well and have large eyeholes.
• Put your child in sturdy shoes. High heels may look cute on your little princess, but they aren’t safe for walking.
• Tell your child to walk only on sidewalks or paths, whenever possible. Otherwise, they should always walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.
• Encourage your child to trick-or-treat with a group, and have the group stay together—especially when crossing streets.
• Remind your child to look left, right, and left again when crossing a street. Teach your child to assume cars cannot see them and to make eye contact with drivers.
• If your child has a cellphone, make sure they know how to call 911. Encourage them to do so if they’re lost or seriously hurt.
Aspirus family medicine physician Dr. Zach Ahola encourages limiting consumption of sugar, and encourages handing out low-sugar treats.
An additional warning is being shared about the growing popularity of contact lenses as part of costumes.
It is illegal to sell non-prescription contact lenses, but they are frequently available at specialty shops, and online. Research shows people who purchase contacts without a prescription face a 16-times greater risk of developing an infection.
Aspirus ophthalmologist Dr. Dustin Wasylik warns that “one size fits all” contact lenses can cause serious eye injuries. Costume lenses should be prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional just like regular contact lenses, despite what costume lens packaging might claim.
