Halloween, how we have all missed ye.
After taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween festivities are back for 2021 and there’s a good chance the weekend of Oct. 30-31 will be bigger than ever.
In Highlands, there are plenty of holiday festivities to explore – from catching a scary movie at the Highlands Playhouse (7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday), to parading some costumed pooches at Mr. Pickles Halloween Party at the Park on Main Hotel (6 p.m. on Saturday) – there really is something for everyone.
The coup de gras of the Halloween weekend will be Trick-or-Treat along Main and 4th Streets from 6 – 8 p.m. on Sunday. Highlands has built a reputation for being one of the premier candy collecting locations in Western North Carolina and this year will be no exception. There will be live music by the High Five Band, free hot dogs courtesy of Highlands’ Rotary clubs and pumpkin painting at the Ugly Dog Pub as a pregame activity from 5 – 6 p.m.
No matter what activities you decide to partake in for Halloween, it’s important to make sure everyone stays safe. Here are some easy tips and tricks for a safe trick or treat.
• Slow down – This tip works for both trick-or-treaters and drivers who may be out on the local roadways on Sunday night. Be patient and use the sidewalks to get from place to place, and when crossing the road always do so at designated crosswalks.
• Carry a flashlight – As October comes to a close, the nights are getting longer, and the sun is setting earlier in the evening. Because many Halloween costumes are dark colors, it’s important to be seen.
• Don’t eat on the go – Children should be reminded not to eat their Halloween candy while hitting all the stops around town. Parents need to inspect all candy, especially for any children who may have food allergies.
Highlands’ small-town feel makes holidays special, and Halloween is among the most exciting holidays of the year. Let’s hope that every gets enough treats to fill their buckets while avoiding any unforeseen misadventures.