Each year, the City of Mason celebrates Halloween with community-wide Trick-or-Treat on October 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. held rain or shine. This long-standing tradition brings families, neighbors and friends together for an evening of costumes, creativity and community spirit.

Mason celebrates Trick-or Treat on October 31 each year to provide consistent, predictable expectations for drivers. Keeping the date the same every year helps motorists anticipate increased pedestrian activity and exercise additional caution, which supports overall community safety.

This tradition does not preclude residential neighborhoods from hosting their own events or activities for their residents. Please keep in mind that trick-or-treating is at the discretion of each resident and/or neighborhood/homeowners association. Residents who choose to participate, please turn outside lights on to notify trick-or-treaters they are welcome. Below are a few tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween.

Trick or Treat with an Adult

Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. Children out alone should stick to familiar areas that are well lit, travel in groups and carry a cell phone with them in case there is an emergency. Setting up a meeting place in advance in case anyone in the group gets separated is recommended. Children are encouraged to memorize their home address and parents’ phone numbers to assist police if they do get lost.

Keep Costumes both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of full masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

Walk Safely

• Always use sidewalks when available.
• Cross the street at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right, and left again when crossing and keep a careful watch as you cross. 
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Watch for vehicles turning or backing up.
• Put electronic devices down and keep your head up.
• Never try to cross the street between parked cars.

Drive Carefully

• Slow down and remain alert, especially in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. It is important to take precautions during these hours.

City of Mason Police and Fire Department will be out and about in the Mason community with treats for trick-or-treaters. Have a safe and happy Halloween in the City of Mason!