Double, double, toil and trouble – be watchful of ghosts and goblins out trick-or-treating this Halloween!

On Tuesday, October 31, beginning around dusk, Southlake kids will be dressed up in their favorite costumes going door-to-door looking for candy and treats. The City has lots of fun things planned for Halloween including the Monster Mash on Sunday, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Marq, Southlake. It’s a free outdoor event and will include live musical entertainment, fun games and activities, pumpkin decorating, balloon artists and of course trick-or-treating.

It’s a rain or shine event. If inclement weather arrives, all booths and activities will be moved inside the Marq. For more information on the Monster Mash, visit www.CityofSouthlake.com/Events or call (817) 748-8900.

For kids just wanting to go neighborhood to neighborhood trick-or-treating, the fun begins around dusk on Tuesday, October 31. It’s a night of fun but it’s also a night to remind drivers to slow down in neighborhoods, turn on their headlights early, and keep a watchful eye out for kids in costumes.

Parents should also take time to remind kids to be extra safe on Halloween night, especially crossing streets where kids are twice as likely to be struck by a motor vehicle.

Here are some other important safety tips for parents and kids from the Southlake Police and Fire Departments:

• Dress children in bright clothing so they will stand out, especially to drivers.
• Carry a flashlight and have children wear reflective tape and/or carry glow sticks to make them more visible.
• Reduce unnecessary distractions – put down all cell phones and electronic devices and pay attention to where you and your children are walking.
• Teach children to cross the street at designated crosswalks and to never cross in the middle of a street.
• Teach children to look both ways before crossing streets and have them make eye contact with drivers to make certain drivers see them.
• Face paint is preferred over a Halloween mask because it won’t obscure your child’s vision (This is especially important when crossing streets).
• Always have kids travel in groups. Never let them walk alone.
• Warn children against walking near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to dress them in flame-resistant costumes.
• Parents – check your child’s candy and treats before allowing them to eat them.

As an added treat, Southlake Police Officers, Firefighters and Citizen on Patrol Volunteers (COPs), will be visiting neighborhoods on Halloween night and passing out glow necklaces, bracelets, and other trinkets. We want to help your children be seen on Halloween to help keep them safe.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!