Halloween this year is set for Sunday, October 31, and trick-or-treaters will be out and about in Raeford and Hoke County in the evening hours.

The city and county local governments of Raeford and Hoke don’t have any rules governing trick-or-treat times. The Raeford Police Department suggested the hours of 6-8 p.m. on Halloween for trick-or-treating in the city.

Law enforcement offered tips for staying safe and keeping children safe while they dress up and go door to door.

Houses handing out candy should leave a porch light on and make sure there aren’t any obstacles trick-or-treaters could trip over, law enforcement safety tips suggested. Also make sure any lit candles in jack-o-lanterns can’t brush against children’s costumes on porches or walkways.

Drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars, or walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Exit and enter driveways with caution. At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children dressed in dark clothing or costumes.

Trick-or-treaters should stay on sidewalks or walk on the far left side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no sidewalks. Flashlights and reflective tape can help children be more visible after dark.

Adults or older responsible youths should supervise trick-or-treating for children under 12, and older children should trick-or-treat in groups. Families should check their children’s candy before letting them eat it, and throw away any candy that is unwrapped or partially wrapped, or that has a strange odor, color or texture.

Local events

There are also other activities going on for a night of fun, some of them before Halloween.

Hoke County High School’s clubs and organizations will host a trunk-or-treat Wednesday, October 27 from 6-8 p.m. on the Hoke High campus at 505 South Bethel Road in Raeford. The free event will feature a movie, candy, and concessions available to purchase. For more information call 875-2156.

The annual Light The Night trunk-or-treat organized by several local churches will be held in the old Armory park located at 423 East Central Avenue in Raeford, from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, October 31. The event is a safe, fun alternative to Halloween. There will be inflatables, games, hotdogs, candy, a cake walk and more. It is a community event supported by First Baptist Church Raeford, Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church, Hwy 55 and individual supporters.

People attending can donate a can of food to help support the Open Door Soup Kitchen.

To get involved with Light The Night, contact First Baptist Church at (910) 875-3508 or Raeford Evangelical (910) 875-2715.

Send your Halloween event to The News-Journal by email at cshepard@thenews-journal.com.