A doggone wacky holiday in Norman

BY TAMI ALTHOFF Comments 0
Published: October 30, 2008

NORMAN — Pets were out and about in costume last weekend at Howl-O-Ween on Campus Corner, but this weekend their human counterparts will hit the streets.

Bacardi, an English bulldog, has her Dorothy outfit adjusted by her owner Holly Lassetter, of Norman, during an event at Campus Corner in Norman on Sunday, October 26, 2008. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

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Friday is official trick-or-treat night, so police are encouraging motorists to be extra careful.

Norman Police Capt. Leonard Judy said more children than usual will be out after dark. Some children may be hard to see, he said.

"Despite advice to the contrary, some children will be allowed to go out in dark-colored costumes,” Judy said.

Judy said drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars, and be aware that children walking next to or on the edge of the roadway may suddenly step, fall or be pushed into the street.

Police also offer these tips:

• Homeowners should turn on exterior lights, pick up tripping hazards leading to the front door and isolate pets that may frighten children.

• Make sure a trustworthy adult supervises young children.

• Go over traffic safety rules and caution children to walk, not run, from house to house and avoid cutting through yards where they may trip. Re-emphasize "stranger danger” guidelines.

• For those old enough to go out on their own, plan a route beforehand and set a return time.

• Remind children to stop only at houses that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.

• Plan for all kinds of weather. Costumes should be made of fire-retardant materials.

• Remind children not to eat anything until it’s been inspected at home.

Check the MyNorman calendar or go to wimgo .com for a list of Halloween-related activities.