The 31^st is just around the corner and there are certainly some children ecstatic and parents preparing for a sugar-filled Halloween.

When it comes to the city of Big Rapids, there are lots of great neighborhoods to find sweet treats and some tips you should know before the costumed chaos begins. Here’s your holiday guide for this Halloween.

 

SAFETY

Frequent travelling, both on foot and by vehicle, is very common during this day’s festivities. Being aware of your surroundings on the road as well as the sidewalks and side streets is an absolute must according to Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller.

“It's no different than crossing the street during the day,” Miller said. “Make sure you're looking both ways and make sure that people are aware of their surroundings, following the rules and making sure you're safe.”

It is also important to travel in groups, especially for children walking house-to-house. Having adult supervision is important as well as dressing in preparation of the weather underneath costumes are key.

“Make sure that you're dressing accordingly under those Halloween outfits,” Miller said. “Last year, we had good weather but a couple of years ago it wasn't so. Stay in a group of people and have adults with them up to a certain age. Also, make sure that you're familiar with whatever area you're going to and try to stick with those populated areas.”

One last key tip is to bring a light. Whether it’s a flashlight, headlamp, glow stick, or charged phone, having a light can help with navigation as well as helping others be aware of your presence. This also applies to homeowners with porch lights, as keeping them on acts as an indicator for trick-or-treaters that the home is a green light to ring the doorbell.

 

BEST SPOTS

Finding candy in a larger sized city like Big Rapids isn’t too hard, but there are certainly some areas that are known for being consistent and are quoted to be safer than most.

One of those areas, recommended by Big Rapids DPS Officer Bill Sell, is ­­­near the St. Mary School. Based on map viewing, this area has many different residential streets that are very close in vicinity and have been successful stops in years past.

Another area is the Rust Ave. area near Brookside Elementary School. With plenty of sidewalks and lamp posts, travelling is safe as well as stretches of houses with lots of candy to go around.

A third area is the neighborhoods near the Big Rapids Hospital and Riverview elementary. Tucked behind the north end of Ferris State University’s campus, there are plenty of houses that are in reach of common parking areas near or at the hospital and school.

 

NOTABLE EVENTS

While trick or treating will begin around 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and last until about 8:00 P.M. on the 31^st, there will also be some other fun activities throughout the evening and even on the days leading up to Halloween.

Multiple trunk or treat events will be slated for Halloween night, including one at St. Peter's Lutheran Church from 5:45 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., one at the St. Mary School from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and at the Morley Community Center from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. for the “Haunted Halls” event.

Big Rapids Township Fire Department will also be hosting the “Haunted Fire House” maze event on Oct. 27 and 28 from 5:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M. Those looking for a scare can expect chainsaws, skeletons, ghosts, and ghouls both on Friday and Saturday. The station will also be hosting an open house event from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Halloween night that includes coffee, donuts, fire truck tours, and more.

For those needing more scares, visit the Four Green Fields Farm Haunted Maze in Rodney from 8:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. on Friday and Saturday. There will also be a Halloween Extravaganza event on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Royal View Assisted Living Center. From 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., enjoy trick or treating, a cake walk, glow dance, cider, donuts, and more.