CAPE MAY - The City of Cape May is ready to embrace the spirit of the Halloween season with its series of annual events.
The fun begins with Trick or Treating at noon on Oct. 21 at the Washington Street Mall. Many of the 90 plus mall merchants will offer treats until 2 p.m. The charming architecture and safe environment provide trick-or-treaters with a wonderful experience.
Children of all ages are invited to register for the annual Halloween parade at the intersection of Perry Street and Washington Street Mall at 1 p.m. Registration is necessary for parade lineup and prize eligibility. Registration will close promptly at 2 p.m. and assemble for step off at 3 p.m.
The participants will march along Carpenters Lane onto Ocean Street and then down Washington Street. The parade will conclude at Emlen Physick Estate where Mid-Atlantic Center for Performing Arts will provide refreshments and snacks during the awards presentation. The popular event promises to be as enjoyable as in years past featuring an array of costumed participants and more than ten bands.
In addition to the age categories, trophies for this year’s parade will be awarded for the following: Best family, funniest, most scary, best homemade costume, silliest, best witch, best celebrity character, and most original.
Official “Trick or Treat” for the City of Cape May will be observed on Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Trick-or-treaters should only visit those homes with illuminated exterior front light indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.
• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Special Notification of Parking and Street Closure
At 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, the 300 block of Carpenter Lane, South Lafayette Street between Jackson Street and Perry Street, and Perry Street from West Perry Street to Beach Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic in preparation for the Halloween Parade.
Metered street parking is available nearby in the Washington Street Mall area as well as the Municipal Parking Lot at Jackson Street.
The Halloween events are sponsored by the City of Cape May, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May, the Washington Street Business Management Association, the Cape May Kiwanis Club and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. For more information please call Civic Affairs 609-884-9565 or go towww.capemayrecreation.org.
Halloween Strategies to Save on Costumes, Candy and More (via Credit.com)
