Plenty of treats replace Halloween Safety Street

The Record-Courier wrapped up its annual Halloween coloring contest on Monday and awarded 10 artists ranging in ages 3-11 for their work.

Speaking of annual, for the first time in 30 years, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office won’t host the annual Safety Street Halloween event or the Fright at the Fairgrounds.

Instead, a Trunk or Treat hosted by the Partnership of Douglas County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Explorers Post 2105 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. There will be games, music, and more Halloween fun.

“Families are encouraged to dress in costumes and enjoy a safe environment for trick-or-treating,” officials say.

Retired Sheriff’s Capt. Joe Duffy said he is hopeful for the return of both events next year, but since he’s retired from the Sheriff’s Department, it wasn’t something that he could keep up with anymore.

“It’s all done by volunteers, donations, and sponsors, and it takes a lot,” he said.

Safety Street was founded in 1994 as a joint effort between the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and The Record-Courier and was first held in the Douglas High School gymnasium, which was decorated to resemble a neighborhood street for Halloween.

Local businesses were invited to set up booths to distribute candy or other treats to children who came dressed in their costumes.

“We want to give kids a safe and fun trick-or-treat experience,” said then R-C publisher Tim Huether.

It was expected that the event would see 3,000 to 4,000 children and since, has become a generational Halloween event with that much, if not more trick-or-treaters attending annually.

In 1995 it moved to the CVIC Hall, then the fairgrounds in 2020.

The Fright at the Fairgrounds became an added attraction in 2021. Each year, a theme would take over the warehouse such as Michael Myers from “Halloween”, “Blair Witch,” “the Exorcist,” and most recently, Steven King’s “It.”

There are several other “Trunk or Treat” events and neighborhoods ready for Trick-or-Treaters.

The term “trunk or treat” is a community event where businesses, non-profits, etc. come together in a parking lot, where they will decorate their trucks and “trick or treaters” can visit the trunks instead going house-to house. It has become a popular safe alternative over the last decade.

“We are thrilled to invite families to join us for a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley. “Trunk or Treat is a great opportunity to come together, have fun, and interact with local law enforcement in a positive setting. We’re looking forward to an exciting event for both kids and parents.”

While there’s plenty of trick-or-treating events, don’t forget the neighborhoods who are looking forward to trick-or-treaters.

East fork firefighters issued a list of safety concerns during the Halloween season, including using a battery-operated candle or a glow stick in jack-o-lanterns instead of a candle.

“Decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 800 reported home fires each year,” according to the National Fire Protection Association. “Nearly one-third of these fires were started by a candle.”

When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out of it.

Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or a glow sticks as part of their costumes.

Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

Remember to eep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.

When Trick-or-Treating, be seen and visible, walk on sidewalks, cross with caution, and inspect candy before eating.

Most decorated neighborhoods

Chichester Estates, and side streets including; Toler Avenue, Toiyable Avenue, and Lampe Drive.

Winhaven.

Saratoga Springs in Johnson Lane.

Ironwood Drive, Mahogany Drive and surrounding streets.

Indian Hills

Gardnerville Ranchos with haunted houses on Tillman and James. North of James is an all ages scare free zone with cotton candy, full size candy bars and goodie bags. Monarch, Manhattan, Wagon, Wheeler and Bowels also have displays and lots of candy.

More Halloween events

Trick or Treat with Seniors. The Chateau Senior and Memory Care is hosting a trick or treat for preschoolers starting 10 a.m. Thursday. The Chateau is located at 1565 Virginia Ranch Road in Gardnerville.

Urban Legend Themed Scavenger Hunt. The Douglas County Library is hosting an Urban Legend Themed Scavenger Hunt at the Minden Library now through Nov. 2. There are two hunts to participate in; one for ages 0-12 years old and one for teens and adults. Costumes are optional, but welcome. Visit https://www.facebook.com/DouglasLibraryNV for more information. Visitors on Halloween and dressed in costume will receive a special treat.

Trinity Lutheran. Trinity Lutheran Church and school will host a Trunk-or-Treat 5-7 p.m. Thursday. Trinity Lutheran is located 1t 1174 Mill Street in Gardnerville.

All About Dance. All About Dance is hosting a Trunk or Treat and haunted house 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Ironwood parking lot. There is expected to be a scary and “not-so scary” maze. All About Dance is located at 1758 Highway 395 North in Minden.