Bolling readines for trick or treat night

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Malakoff
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
Oct. 26, 2006 --  Bolling trick or treaters will be on the prowl for candy Tuesday night in conjunction with the base's annual Halloween Parade.
Led by none other than Uncle Sam, the 1.3 mile parade will begin at 5 p.m. from Geisboro Park and proceed along Arnold Avenue to Tinker Street and cross Chappie James Blvd to Luke Avenue. After a left turn on Luke Avenue and a right turn on McChord Street, the parade will turn right onto Brookley Avenue and finish at the Community Center. 11th Security Forces will be providing escorts for the parade.
"We'll have several folks on foot patrol, as well as a few vehicles monitoring traffic and ensuring a safe route for the parade participants," said SSgt. Jana McClintock, 11th Security Forces Squadron. "Depending on the weather, we may also have a bicycle patrol."
At the community center, trick or treaters will be provided "light refreshments, as well as goody-bags and post-parade activities," said Leslie Ravenell, 11th Services Division Family Member Programs flight chief.
Following the brief reception, trick or treaters can ply their trade in the housing area through 8 p.m. Security police will be patrolling the housing area in conjunction with base volunteers from housing and 11th Wing squadrons, said Maj. Rich DeMouy, 11th Security Forces Squadron commander.
"We'll have folks on patrol between 6 and 10 p.m. in an effort to curb vandalism and more, importantly, to make sure the young ghosts and goblins are safe and secure while they enjoy their trick or treating," Major DeMouy said.
In addition to trick or treating, the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Booster Club is hosting a haunted house, located on Andrews Circle, today and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission to the haunted house is $5, and refreshments are available for purchase. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Combined Federal Campaign.
The chapel is hosting a Harvest Festival Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Family fun, fellowship, refreshments and harvest-inspired games, activities and entertainment will be provided throughout the festival," said Chaplain (Col.) Jon Stovall, 11th Wing chaplain.
"Cute, funny or biblical costumes would be appropriate for the Harvest Festival, but please, not anything scary," he said.
As with all October 31st celebrations, the key to a great evening is safety, said Ken Butler, 11th Wing Safety director.
"There are some basic do's and don'ts to ensure a safe evening for children and adults," Mr. Butler said. "For instance, watch for children darting out from between parked cars and those who walk on roadways, medians and curbs."
Other safety tips for the holiday include:
· Enter and exit driveways and roadways carefully.
· At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Parents should:
· Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
· Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of your children's companions.
· Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
· Teach your children to stop only at houses that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
· Establish a return time.
· Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
· Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
· Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
· When in doubt, throw it out.
Children should understand and follow these rules:
· Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
· Walk, do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
· Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.