No tricks this Halloween: Carson City celebrates Beggars' Night on Oct. 31

Treat or treating in Carson City will be held on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31. Just like it is celebrated throughout the country.

If you're a Carson City resident, the question as to when Beggar's Night falls on isn't a dumb one to wonder or ask since wrenches have been thrown into the mix every few years due to Nevada Day festivities.

Because Nevada Day sometimes falls on Oct. 31, there have been instances where the annual trick or treating ritual in Carson City has been moved up or down the calendar.

With the 2013 Nevada Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26, the annual Halloween trick or treating ritual falls far enough away so that it can be celebrated on Oct. 31 just like everywhere else.

Want to get in the trick or treating early? On Sunday, from 4 to 6 p.m. there will be a Safe Halloween Celebration at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada. The cost is $5 per child. The celebration is a safe, happy, fun place for your little ones to Trick or Treat. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Children's Museum is located at 813 North Carson Street in Carson City. Go here for information.

On Wednesday night at the Bender House across from the Governor's Mansion, it's The Night Before Halloween.
Troy and Melanie Wadsworth are famous for their Halloween cheer and awesome Disneyland quality special effects. With many request from the local community, the Wadsworth's will display their Halloween special effects on Oct. 30, 7 to 10 p.m. (for those who do not want to fight the crowds on Halloween Night). Go here for more information.

Once again Carson Mall will hold its annual Halloween Bash on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 6 p.m. Participants can trick or treat in a safe environment among Carson Mall merchants. Trick or treaters are encouraged to bring a food item to donate to FISH. See flier below.

The Governor's Mansion at 606 N. Mountain Street, is officially decked out for both Nevada Day and Halloween. As with tradition, goodies will be given to trick or treaters by the Governor and Mrs. Sandoval from 5 to 8 p.m. Halloween night.

The Carson City Sheriffs Office will have extra deputies patrolling the streets and walking neighborhoods to help keep this event a safe one for our community, said Sgt. Scott McDaniel. Revelers should be aware of children in the area and be responsible when celebrating, especially if there are spooky libations involved. Do not drink and drive.

Here's a safety guide for parents, children, homeowners and motorists:

PARENTS
• Always escort your children and carry a flashlight.

• Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.

• Set a specific time for your child/children to be out.

• Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.

• Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street.

• Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.

• Stay in well-lighted areas.

• Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.

• Choose fireproof comfortable costumes made of light colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.

• Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.

• Have children avoid wearing eye makeup or masks, which will restrict their vision.

• Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.

• Give out only commercially wrapped candy.

• Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number in case they get lost.

• Consider a Halloween party at your residence instead of going out to trick-or-treat.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Do not trick-or-treat by yourself.

• If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam, or other pliable material.

• Do not take short cuts, especially through alleys.

• Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when crossing the street.

• Don’t run! Walk to your intended destination and don’t dart in and out of cars or driveways. If there are no side-walks stay as far left of the roadway as possible.

• Walk in the direction facing traffic.

• Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on. Never approach a car offering candy.

• Wait until you get home before eating any treats.

HOMEOWNERS
• Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home.

• If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.

• Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.

• Never invite children into your home.

• Keep pets away from children.

• Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.

• If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.
• Immediately notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity.

MOTORISTS

• Drive slowly and cautiously.

• Look for children walking on the street, running, and darting in between parked vehicles.

• Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.

• Do not use your cell phone while driving because it will cause a distraction

• Play your music at a reasonable volume so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.

• Never drink and drive.