MANSFIELD — It’s the night ghosts, goblins and comic characters most enjoy each year.
The annual city-wide Trick-or-Treat event on Halloween has been announced by Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry.
This year’s candy-collecting session will be Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. across the entire city.
Residents wishing to participate in are asked to turn on their porch lights during the event.
“We also want to remind everyone there will be small children walking around during this time and to take extra precautions when driving,” the mayor said.
Some additional recommendations are listed below:
— First and foremost, you do not have to participate if you do not want to or if you do not feel safe.
— Do not participate if you or your child feels sick, has symptoms of COVID-19 or is at high risk of complications due to underlying medical conditions or with a compromised
immune system.
— Avoid rubber or plastic costume masks.
— Go only during times designated by local authorities.
— Trick-or-Treat in small groups.
— Stay in your own neighborhood.
— Take only wrapped candy or treats and examine all treats before eating.
“Trick-or-Treat is an opportunity for our neighborhoods and the community to come together to provide a fun, safe environment for children and families to celebrate with one another,” Perry said.
“The City of Mansfield wishes all a safe and fun Halloween,” the mayor said.
The history of trick-or-treating traces back to Scotland and Ireland. The tradition of “guising,” going house-to-house at Halloween and putting on a small performance was rewarded with food or treats. Others date it as far as the 16th century, as does the tradition of people wearing costumes at Halloween.
In North America, the earliest known occurrence of guising is from 1911, when children were recorded as having done this in the province of Ontario, Canada.
The interjection “trick or treat!” was then first recorded in the same Canadian province of Ontario in 1917.
