Despite days—and maybe even weeks—of cleanup ahead for residents in the Hudson Valley after Hurricane Sandy, locals are reluctant to forgo Halloween's sweetest tradition.
Many local municipalities are discouraging trick-or-treating tonight, including Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown who have officially decreed it for Friday night instead, but everyone from local businesses to governments and neighborhoods are finding alternatives for hopeful costumed kids.
"While Halloween is a night that kids always look forward to, this year it is especially important for parents to exercise extreme caution due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy,” Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said in a statement today. “Anyone living in neighborhoods where power lines and trees are down and electricity has not been restored should not go out to trick or treat. In places where things have started to return to normal, parents should exercise careful judgment and common sense. Parents should also be guided by any orders or restrictions issued by their local municipalities. The safety of our children and families comes first.”
Over in Tolland, CT, where families are gathering in a safe parking lot to trick-or-trick from car-to-car.
Here are some alternatives closer to home:
Pound Ridge Fire Department Haunted House (80 Westchester Ave. Pound Ridge): Get spooked at the Fire Department's annual attraction—today from 6 to 8 p.m.
D.A.R.E. Halloween (Joseph G. Caputo Community Center — 95 Broadway Ossining): Kids are invited inside to enjoy treats and games from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight as trick-or-treating is discouraged in the Town of Ossining.
Gymboree Halloween Open Gym (450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale): Gymboree is open until 4 p.m. today and is open for free to the public. Bring your little ones in costumes for some out-of-house playtime, including parachute and bubble activities. For kids ages 0-5 and their guardians.
Aunt B's Costume Contest (325 Route 100, Somers or 351 Manville Rd., Pleasantville): Visit either Aunt B's Yogurt Bar location today with your costume on and enter to win gift certificate prizes of up to $100. Aunt B's staff will snap your photo and share it on the website. Voting will be open from November 6 to 10. Three prizes at each location will be awarded.
SpOOktacular with Sarah Knapp & Steve Alper (The Winery at St. George — 1715 E. Main St., Mohegan Lake): This adult-geared event at The Winery at St. George features scary songs, treats, blood red wine tastings and two sets with a 15-minute intermission. Doors open for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for stage seating and $15 general admission. Visit www.thewineryatstgeorge.com for ticket sales and more information.
Trick-or-Treat at the Warner Library (121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown): The Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow library is offering "trick-or-treat stations" at every desk all day today. Stop by in your costume and a candy bag to pick up some treats.
Grand Prix Halloween Party (333 N. Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco): Halloween revelers of all ages are invited to Grand Prix's Halloween party from 3 to 10 p.m. today. If you come in costume, you will receive one hour of bowling (with shoe rental) or one "Arrive & Drive Race" with day membership at $10/person. There will be complimentary treat bags and arcade cards for all kids. Also check out the costume contest, face painting and a spooky photo booth.
Danbury Fair Mall Trick-or-Treating (7 Backus Ave. Danbury, CT): If you are up for traveling a little farther from home today, there will be trick-or-treating from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Danbury Fair Mall for kids 12 and under.
Share your Halloween plans in the comments below! Share pictures and please enter our Patch Halloween contest. Info here on how to win $5,000.
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