In Roscoe, trick or treating is Oct. 30, not Oct. 31 this year - it's safer

Why beg your parents to let you stay out late in the dark, trick or treating on a school night, when you could get in more candy-collecting hours if Halloween was always on a Saturday? The problem has always been that Halloween floats inefficiently through all the days of the week, even school days, depending on which day October 31 falls. Even the Pope would have trouble changing the traditional date of All Hallows' Eve/the Vigil of All Saints' Day without changing the date of All Saints' Day (the next day) on the church calendar. 

Instead, a new ordinance by the Village of Roscoe establishes the last Saturday of every October as ‘Trick or Treating’ day. The Board of Trustees discussed several approaches to make the event safer, but the final vote on Oct. 5 was unanimous. The question first appeared on the Sept. 21 agenda of the Committee of the Whole, which was open to the public, but no residents attended that meeting.

This year, 'Trick or Treating' in the Village of Roscoe is planned for Saturday October 30,  between the hours of 4:00-7:00 m. To signal that you're participating, keep your porch or yard lights on, and meet the children outside or in a doorway. If you elect not to participate, you would leave all exterior lights off.

According to a news release from the Village of Roscoe, "this change of date has been adopted in the interest of our children's safety. Many of Roscoe’s residential subdivisions do not have sidewalks and include relatively narrow streets." Trick or treating on Saturday will hopefully avoid after-work and after-school traffic, and will not require as many people to rush home to hand out candy. "Trick or treating on Saturday will also allow for families to enjoy a full day of fun without worrying about school the next day."

Also, the Village is asking all residents to follow all guidance established by the CDC and the Winnebago County Health Department [PDF] for both trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating. 

According to Stateline Kids, Roscoe is the only Rockford-area municipality to reschedule trick-or-treating this year. However, two churches are sponsoring trunk or treat events the previous Sunday, October 24. 

• Old Stone Church in Rockton is holding a free Trunk or Treat October 24, from 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. Come dressed in costume with friends and family for a safe, family friendly event.
• Roscoe United Methodist Church is holding a free Trunk or Treat October 24, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. - and pets are invited. Yes, the church says, "There will be an informal meet and greet with pets on the lawn at 3:15 pm. Donations of wet or dry cat and dog food are requested."

The Village of Rockton is sponsoring the Main St. Trick or Treat on Oct. 31 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. though the actual trick or treating hours in Rockton are 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. One of Rockton's newer now-yearly traditions for the whole family, you can dress up the kids (and yourselves!) for a fun, family-friendly trick or treating event in downtown Rockton at participating businesses. The Village says, "This is always a HUGE hit with families and local shops alike." It is generously sponsored by Members Alliance Credit Union. During this event, you can view the entries of the inaugural Pumpkin Carving Contest at Settlers Park, sponsored by the Village of Rockton and the American Legion. Entries begin on Oct. 24.

Besides co-sponsoring the Pumpkin Carving Contest, Sue Johnson at Rockton's American Legion Post 332 is also organizing two other events, including a team Halloween Scavenger Hunt to benefit the Food Bank at Old Stone Church and a Trunk or Treat at the American Legion during the Main St. Trick or Treat. Other Rockton businesses also have special plans for the afternoon of October 31.

More News from Roscoe

• Another state champion tree discovered near Rockton NLI's April Tree of the Month is a Bebb Willow found at Lost Flora Fen on Raccoon Creek.
• What's happening in far northern Illinois: Friday, Apr 19 - Friday, Apr 26 What is going on during this week in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton?