No need to rush this Halloween because the Village of Oxford has extended its official trick-or-treating time by 30 minutes.
‘I think parents know what’s best for their kids,? said Councilman Tony Albensi. ‘Is it really government’s responsibility to mandate the time that kids can trick-or-treat? . . . If we must, I would be inclined to support extending it.?
Council voted Tuesday night to extend the trick-or-treating time in the village until 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night.
As always, the candy collecting will commence at 6 p.m. sharp.
In previous years, trick-or-treating was done from 6-7 p.m.
Historically, the township has utilized the times set by the village.
‘I’ve had several different residents from within the community and within the township, like in Waterstone, say that it’s not enough time for the little kids,? said Councilman Tom Benner.
‘If Mom and Dad are going to buy them a $50 outfit to go out for one hour, it’s really not a lot of time,? Benner explained. ‘And they’re only going to wear it one year, unless they’ve got seven or eight children, then it’s a hand-me-down like I used to get.?
‘I don’t see any problem lengthening it, to be honest with you,? said Police Chief Mike Neymanowski. ‘My officers are out there any way, still patrolling the streets.?
Some residents attending the meeting were opposed to the idea.
‘I think one hour is long enough for the kids to trick-or-treat,? said Bob Scott.
‘I love Halloween and I would not want to withdraw my support of Halloween, but I may if you extend the hours,? said Dave DeLisle.
Councilwoman Teri Stiles called the 30-minute extension a ‘good compromise? for folks on both sides of the issue.