Prepare to be scared, or maybe not ...
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 31, 2005 1:56 PM
The popularity of the most recent Star Wars movie has many young trick-or-treaters planning to hit the streets tonight dressed as characters from the film.
Target store manager Holly McGlaughon said children have sought out Halloween costumes based on "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
"This year it is anything Star Wars," Mrs. McGlaughon said.
Thelma Isler, assistant manager at Wal-Mart, said the most popular costumes are Star Wars characters, along with Batman and Cinderella.
Other trick-or-treaters have their own plans.
Rebecca Patterson, an 8-year-old third-grader at Meadow Lane Elementary School, has dressed in the past as an M&M, a ballerina, and both the "Tin Man" and "Dorothy" from "The Wizard of Oz" movie. This year, she plans on dressing as a pirate, complete with eye patch, bandanna and a big hoop earring.
"Mom won't let me be anything scary," she said.
Danielle Brewington, 10, a 5th-grader at Northwest Elementary School, will be a princess this year. She bought her princess costume and only has to add some make-up, said her mother, Amanda.
Alisha Rushing, a fifth-grader at Tommy's Road Elementary School, said she would probably be a vampire. Classmate Taylor Hill is a cheerleader at the school and planned to dress as one for Halloween.
Trick-or-treaters will be working many neighborhoods around Wayne County this evening.
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation is sponsoring its "Boo-It" celebration from 4-6 p.m. at the Pedestrian Plaza on Center Street. The event will include entertainment and plenty of candy. Following the event, children are encouraged to trick-or-treat from 6-8 p.m.
Berkeley Mall Manager Linda Priestley said children can trick-or-treat throughout the mall from 6-7 p.m. Although not all of the stores are participating, Priestley said most are and children are free to go from store to store to get candy. Also at the mall, Flimsy the Clown will perform from 6-8 p.m.
Law enforcement officials are issuing the usual warnings to parents and children who plan to celebrate the holiday.
Sheriff Carey Winders said all trick-or-treaters should wear some sort of reflective clothing, carry a bright orange bag and carry a flashlight or glow stick so they are more visible to passing cars. When walking down a street, children should stay on the sidewalk or the left side of the road facing traffic.
If a child is wearing a mask, the mask should have adequate holes for ventilation and peripheral vision, said Winders. Adults should accompany the children and older youth should travel in pairs or groups.
It is important for children to save their candy until they return home. Parents should inspect the candy and throw away any unwrapped or suspicious looking candy, said the sheriff.
"Halloween is meant to be a fun time in Wayne County but let's make it a safe time as well," said Winders.
The Sheriff's Office is offering the Adopt-A-Deputy program to area residents. A deputy sheriff can be requested to patrol a neighborhood during the evening. For more information, contact the Sheriff's Office at 731-1481.