State legislators are hearing a bill that could change up Halloween celebrations by designating the last Saturday of October as "Trick or Treat Day."
It would allow all municipalities in the state of Connecticut to observe Halloween on a Saturday, instead of whenever October 31 falls each year.
Some parents in Durham said they thought it was a great idea and would be less stressful than observing Halloween on a school night.
“It makes life easier for parents I think to get kids ready, to send them off to school and then they don’t have to worry about waking up so early in the morning, including myself,” said Bonnie Sirignano of Killingworth.
“I think it might actually be easier for parents who during the week run home trying to get dinner on the table, the young kids are knocking at the door. It might not be a bad idea,” said Kathy Nizen of Durham.
Others said a Saturday could be a safer option.
“School nights make it difficult, with the time change it is dark. So a Saturday night does probably make more sense,” said Debbie George, Durham.
But other parents said they thought legislators should not even be hearing bills like this.
“I don’t think Halloween should be on the list much less up for discussion. That’s not where our concerns are right now as parents,” said Oanh Stephan of Durham.
Oanh Stephan has children in elementary and high school. She said the priority should be on keeping children safe, especially at a time when students are making threats against schools, like recent incidents at Coginchaug Regional High School where her two sons attend.
“They’re dealing with a lot of stresses growing up. Now they’re dealing with weapons and being afraid for their lives. That’s just completely wrong,” Stephan said. “Let’s you know, get our time cracking putting some laws together that make a difference in their lives.”
