Halloween safety tips take 'tricks' out of evening
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

flashlights if visiting during the evening hours.

When it comes to Halloween, children have very little to think about: what should I be and how can I get the most candy?

But parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to keeping their costume-clad children safe.

The Amherst Police Department offers tips for those trick-or-treating door to door on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

"With Halloween rapidly approaching, we would like to remind parents of several safety tips," Sgt. Michael N. Torrillo said.

• Children should never go out without an adult.

• Cross streets at intersections and look both ways before crossing. Also, stay on sidewalks when available.

• Go out during daylight hours, and carry a flashlight if it gets dark.

• Go to houses with lights on, and never go inside houses.

• Costumes should be short to avoid tripping, light colors should be selected and reflector tape should be used.

• Have parents check all items before eating, and do not eat anything that is unwrapped.

Safe alternatives to Halloween night trick-or-treating include:

ECC

Safe and Seen Halloween will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 at Erie Community College's North Campus, 6205 Main St., at Youngs Road, Williamsville. The event is sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and will feature a safe, warm and well-lit alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

Buffalo Sabres player Andrew Peters will be in attendance.

Admission is $2 per trick-or-treater, and children 3 and younger are free.

The proceeds will benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Buffalo Office. For information, visit www.safeandseenhall oween. com.

The Amherst Museum

The museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, is hosting Halloween activities from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 and 3- 4:30 p.m. and 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 for children between the ages of 3 and 10.

The museum's historic buildings will be turned into a "spooky fun town." With paid admission, children receive a complimentary treat bag and treats at historic buildings. Free cider and doughnuts will be included.

Children should wear costumes appropriate for this outdoor event, which will take place rain or shine. Adults should bring

For safety reasons, treats will not be given to children under the age of 3. There are no strollers allowed in historic buildings.

Reservations are required. Tickets are $7 for children and $3 for adults. To make a reservation, call 689-1440 or visit the museum during regular business hours, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Tickets are limited and do sell out; orders are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Village of Williamsville

The Village's Youth and Recreation Committee will host the 24th annual Village Halloween Contest, Parade and Party on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Hampton Inn/Rite-Aid parking lot, 5455 Main St.

The costume contest will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot. Costume contest age groups are: 0-12 months; 1-4 years; 5-8 years; and 9-12 years. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

After the judging, a parade will take place at 6 p.m. through the back streets of the village, ending at Island Park Pavilion. The Williamsville Fire Department and Amherst police will lead the parade. A "ghoulishly, groovy" party with cider, donuts and candy will follow. Do-Do the Clown will perform a magic act.

Participants are asked to not park in the Hampton Inn/Rite-Aid parking lot.

Munroe Chiropractic will be offering free x-ray screening of Halloween candy from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 and Friday, Nov. 2 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at 6035 Main St., Williamsville.