Parents react to change in city of Milwaukee's trick-or-treat hours

Instead of trick-or-treat being from 1-4 p.m. on the Sunday before Halloween, this year, trick-or-treat hours will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.

City of Milwaukee

The announcement was made on Facebook on Oct. 16, with some parents expressing concern over the decision, saying the city should "change it back to the original date." Others worried about children walking around streets at night. Sunset on Halloween is expected to be at 5:55 p.m., meaning most of the time children will be asking for candy will be in the dark. According to the National Safety Council, "Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year." 

Parents urge drivers to take extra precautions, especially when children may be out: "As a driver, you should be more aware of what’s going on at slower speeds. Even if it’s 35 [mph speed limit] and it’s trick-or-treating night, slow down, please," shared Jascinta Everson, Milwaukee parent.

Some Milwaukee parents aren't sure if this change to Halloween celebrations is more trick or treat. "I think it's a little bit more fun," shared Everson, while Kai Voepel said, "I don't really have a preference." And Matt Burke said, "Sunday's not bad. Friday's not bad either. It's just, as long as it’s the weekend." He went on to say that nighttime trick-or-treating "goes in with Halloween".

City officials say: "A decision was made to have Halloween trick-or-treating this year on – yes – Halloween. A consensus has emerged to hold trick-or-treat in Milwaukee on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday when Halloween falls on one of those dates. When October 31st occurs on a Monday through Thursday, we would anticipate holding trick-or-treat on the Sunday prior to Halloween."

To see when trick-or-treaters are going to be in your neighborhood, click here.