City and county officials are hopeful residents who participatein Halloween activities will do so safely – and return to theirhomes at a reasonable time.

With the fall of Halloween on a Tuesday this year, some peoplehave been questioning when trick or treating will be held. Theywonder whether the traditional festivities will still be held onHalloween or moved to the weekend to allow children more time tomake their rounds.

Brookhaven Mayor Bob Massengill took a practical approach to thequestion.

“I assume trick or treating will be on Oct. 31,” said BrookhavenMayor Bob Massengill. “That’s when Halloween (trick or treating) istraditionally.”

The city Board of Aldermen has never decreed set hours forparticipating in the holiday’s activities, the mayor said. However,when the holiday falls on a Sunday, the board has moved trick ortreating and other activities to Saturday night.

Police Chief Pap Henderson said he also expected trick ortreaters to take to the streets on Oct. 31.

District Four Supervisor Doug Moak said the county has nevermade any changes regarding the holiday because “most people come totown to do their trick or treating.”

When suggesting trick-or-treating times, all three officialsurged parents to remember Halloween is a weekday this year.

“If I were a parent of a trick-or-treating child, I would thinkit would be about 5 p.m. to about 7:30 or 8 p.m.,” Massengillsaid.

Moak agreed. He suggested a period from 6 to 8 p.m. Beginning at6 p.m. avoids some of the heavy traffic as people return home fromwork, he said.

Henderson said the city “has never put hours on it and I won’tthis time.

“Generally, the streets are usually pretty clear by 8 or 8:30p.m.,” Henderson said. “Just use common judgment. It is a schoolnight.”

Brookhaven Little Theatre is offering a Monday addition to theholiday with its Halloween at the Haven program at 7 p.m.

The family-oriented program will feature a live magic show withprofessional magician Robert Day. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

Children and adults are encouraged to wear their Halloweencostumes to the event. Children in costume will be invited on stageto tell about their outfits. All children will receive a take-homegoody bag.