Champaign County Sheriff’s Office announces Beggar’s Night schedule, Halloween safety tips

All but one city in Champaign County will follow the sheriff’s office recommendation to hold Beggar’s Night on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office announced the schedule for this year’s Beggar’s Night on their Facebook page.

The Village of St. Paris will be the only city in Champaign County to hold trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 26. Urbana, North Lewisburg, Mechanicsburg and Woodstock will hold theirs on Thursday, Oct. 31.

All cities will hold Beggar’s Night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

More: Clark County communities remain split over Beggar's Night move

In addition to posting the schedule for Beggar’s Night, the sheriff’s office also offered tips for parents for upcoming Halloween festivities.

“While dressing up is fun for our children, trick-or-treat has its dangers,” the post said. “We’ve included some safety tips to assist in preparing for the big night.”

Halloween safety tips from the Champaign County Sheriff Office include;

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.

• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes for greater visibility.

• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternative. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprised on the big night.

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

• Review with children how to call 911.

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

• Law enforcement should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

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