Ironton’s downtown Safe Trick-or-Treat returns Monday for all those youngsters eager to dress up for candy and the parade.

Sunday, October 28, 2001

Ironton’s downtown Safe Trick-or-Treat returns Monday for all those youngsters eager to dress up for candy and the parade.

The Ironton Business Association will sponsor its annual Safe Trick-or-Treat Night 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday at the Ironton City Center.

Businesses will line the city building to pass out treats to the steady stream of youngsters in costume. There is no cost to attend.

After the IBA’s trick-or-treat, the Ironton Rotary Club will once again sponsor the annual Ironton Halloween Parade, said Mike Hurley, chairman of the Rotary Club’s community service committee.

Children and their families can gather at Third and Center streets near the water fountain in downtown Ironton to prepare for the march. Participants must be at the water fountain by 7 p.m. to receive a number for costume judging.

The parade route will follow Third Street down to Vernon Street and turn right to Second Street, where it will end.

After the parade, ghosts and goblins will then have a chance to win a prize for the best costume. All clowns, witches and ghosts will be judged in addition to the ugliest and the most original costumes.

A new category this year is most patriotic.

In addition to the IBA’s Halloween eve event and the Rotary Club’s parade, the regular trick-or-treat night for Ironton, South Point, Athalia, Proctorville and most of Lawrence County will take be Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Village of Coal Grove will hold trick-or-treat from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while Chesapeake will hold trick-or-treat from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The American Red Cross in Huntington, W.Va., urges all Tri-State ghouls and goblins to have a safe Halloween by following some simple guidelines.

"Most Halloween injuries are preventable, if parents and children take some simple precautions," said Christopher Nicely of the Red Cross.

Suggested precautions include:

– Plan your route and share it with family. If possible have an adult go with you.

– Wear light-colored clothing so you are more visible.

– Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks only. Cross streets at corners.

– Carry a flashlight to light the way.

– Visit only homes that have the porch light on.

– Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

– Have a grown-up inspect your candy. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened.