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Each of my kids, who attend three different schools in Montclair, came home yesterday afternoon with tales of supposed gang initiation shootings planned for Halloween night. High schoolers heard an announcement over the PA reassuring kids that the rumors were false. The scary story, spreading like wildfire among the eager trick-or-treaters, was addressed by teachers in the classroom at Hillside and Renaissance. Wednesday, Montclair Chief of Police David Sabagh denied there was any truth to the rumors, and the topic is discussed on the front page of today’s Star Ledger…Every kid (and parent) deserves to enjoy this Halloween with peace of mind; remember to follow these “Lucky 13” safety tips.
If you’re not going out on the street tonight, bring your costumed little ones out for early trick-or-treating in Bloomfield Center: from 3-7pm today, merchants will be passing out sweet treats and there are free magic shows at the MultiMediaArts Center, 562 Bloomfield Ave. The shows are at 5:30 and 6:30 pm; ages 8 and up.
Trick-or-Treaters can enjoy a free event “Zooloween” at Turtleback Zoo, and adults get spooky at a party/fundraiser sponsored by Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe in Montclair. Details follow…


Tonight families are invited to enjoy Zoolloween – an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating and a fun way to explore Turtle Back Zoo. Children can come in costume to trick-or-treat at many candy stations throughout the park. There’s music, a magic show and a not-so-scary train ride. Just show up, 3-9pm, and it’s FREE!.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange. For more information, 973-731-5800.
Once you get done with the kids, adults might want to attend the 4TH ANNUAL NJ WITCHES’ BALL, 8PM – 12 Midnight. This Halloween Dinner and Dance Fundraiser benefits PAWS Animal Shelter Montclair. Sponsored by Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe and Everything Akasha, at Church Street Kitchen, 12 Church Street, Montclair.
A $50 ticket (tickets must be bought in advance at Mystic Spirit) gets you a sumptuous buffet, soft drinks, beer and wine (you can also BYOB), DJ, dancing, Samhain Ritual, tricky tray raffles (two free raffle tickets), and psychic readings. Costume Prizes!
13 and up to enter, 13-17 allowed only with parent, 21 to drink.
Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe, 182 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair. (973) 509-7155
Still stumped for a costume? Original and unique costumes are still available at the Gas Lamp Costume Shop, 17 Herman Street, Glen Ridge. Open 12 – 5 through 11/1. Mention Baristanet for $5 off any Halloween rental of $25 or more, $10 off any Halloween rental of $50 or more, $20 off any Halloween rental of $100 or more.
Every year I look forward to sorting through my kids’ pillowcase-stuffed candy booty, and pick out the mini-heath bars. What’s your favorite Halloween sweet?

39 replies on “Happy, Safe Halloween”

  3. Oh, goodness, too many to decide between: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers? If I had my way, people of any age would be able to trick or treat so long as they donned costumes (and that means no candy for the lame teenagers sans costume). As it is, I’ll have to join the other adult in the city. But alas, no free candy for us.

  9. Tonight we’ll be giving out all the candy that our kids got trick or treating last year, but never ate. The really awful stuff. Like these.

  11. Yeah… tonight i want to open my door to strangers with mask on. Those days are over.
    Day time, children with moms… ok

  17. Last year I gave out 100% organic, sugar-less, diet friendly, green tea infused, all natural, no food coloring, Kosher, simulated chocolates with no imitation coloring nor imitation flavors and no peanuts cooked in animal fats.
    This year I am expecting nobody.

  18. little boxes of raisins. And I like Dannyboo’s idea of Idaho Potatoes. Unfortunately, I will be in Hoboken for a party so my porch light will be off

  19. I will be out trick or treating with my kids, but instead of turning off the porch light, while we are out we leave a bowl filled with candy and a sign that says “please take just two.”

  21. Complainerpuss,
    Please provide your address so we can stop by and observe the mayhem as kids line up to take two…hundred!!
    LOL

  22. I am going to wait until tomorrow to tell all what I am giving out to trick-or-treaters. Maybe someone will post something like “My little precious stopped at a house where they were giving out ________! Can you believe it?”
    Or maybe I’ll prefer to keep my life secret.

  24. we like to give out those small bottles of shampoo, hand cream soaps and mini sewing kits that we acquired in hotels over the past year.

  25. I like to plunder my kids’ treat bags for the rare York Peppermint Patty or the slightly more common Mounds. I buy Snickers to give away because I despise them and won’t be tempted by anything that’s left over at the end of the night.

  26. I enjoy circus peanuts!
    I’d planned to get these awesomely grody gummy body parts (gouged-out eyeballs, dismembered fingers, etc.) that I saw somewhere for the trickytreaters… but I am a disorganized, sleep-deprived human, so I got them nothin’ instead.
    Little anklebiters are gonna egg my house, I just know it.

  28. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
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  29. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
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  30. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
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  31. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
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    SSSHHHH!!!!!

  32. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
    ———————
    SSSHHHH!!!!!

  33. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
    ———————
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  34. Because I can’t believe this thread hasn’t turned political yet!)
    ———————
    SSSHHHH!!!!!

  35. Geez, how did this happen again? I sat here and watched it go through…I only hit it once…honest…I only saw it go through once..really
    I fear there is a goblin in my PC…
    OK, start making jokes…

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