Halloween Trick Or Treating Brings Challenges

It’s Halloween, which for children is one of the most exciting times of year. For parents, however, it can get hectic – so the Cody Events Committee is once again hosting a downtown trick or treating event to concentrate activity in one part of town.
Kenny Lee, chair of the Events Committee, says they do an annual candy drive, which is gathered by employees of the Big Horn Radio Network, and that candy is distributed to the businesses along the Sheridan Avenue trick or treating route. The City has approved the closure of Sheridan Avenue from 14th Street to 11th from 4-6 p.m. for this event.
Lee says they’re expecting hundreds of trick or treaters this afternoon – and although the event does get families in front of downtown stores, Lee says the businesses don’t always benefit.

According to Lee, most families simply come to the stores for the free candy, but many business owners distribute the candy outside the stores because of the number of people involved. So businesses don’t always get that extra exposure that might happen if families came into the stores to browse.
Because of the nature of the holiday, the Park County Sheriff’s Office is reminding parents to make sure children know your cell phone number, their home telephone number, and address in case you get separated. Also, for safety, they encourage parents to teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting, and kicking.