WESTPORT–Halloween is just days away, with the annual Halloween parade winding through downtown on Wednesday, and the big day for trick-or-treating coming on Friday. The town invites children to enjoy the events, with some safety tips from the Westport Police Department.

The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (rain date: Thursday) on Main Street and continues right onto Avery Place, then left onto Myrtle Avenue, ending at Veterans Green across from Town Hall. The Parks and Recreation Department recommends the event for children up to age 8. Children may trick-or-treat along Main Street and in Town Hall starting at 3:30 p.m., the department says. 

At Veterans Green, Parks and Recreation will provide refreshments, a small gift for the children and entertainment from DJ Kenny Michaels. The Westport P.A.L. is back again to sponsor the event.

For Halloween Day, the police department issued advice for both motorists and the young ones out collecting candy and other treats.

“We always ask that motorists drive with care and caution through our neighborhoods, but especially on Halloween when our streets are certain to be filled with trick-or-treaters,” the department said. “Slow down, don’t drive distracted, be mindful of pedestrians, use extra caution when exiting driveways and please drive sober. Drivers should be focused on the road ahead and prepared to react quickly to a variety of unanticipated situations.”

For trick-or-treaters and their families, the department offered these tips:

• Choose or create Halloween costumes that do not limit the wearer’s field of vision and that maximize visibility to traffic. 
• Carry a flashlight and wear bright colors or garments with reflective elements.
• Pre-plan the route through well-lit and familiar neighborhoods.
• Stick to sidewalks where available, where there are no sidewalks, walk against the flow of traffic.
• Use marked crosswalks, and walk, don’t run, through neighborhoods.
• Always assume that drivers do not see you and be especially cautious around cars that are backing up or turning.
• Traveling in large groups is encouraged to promote safety. 
• Visit only houses where outside lights are illuminated. A darkened house is likely not prepared to receive trick-or-treaters.
• Children should not eat any treats until they return home, when parents can take the time to properly inspect them.

Parents should check all treats for any signs of tampering and throw away anything that is not factory sealed or that otherwise looks questionable. Never eat anything homemade obtained on a Halloween route. Anyone receiving items suspected of having been intentionally tampered with should report that to the Westport police department immediately. 

Also, look for more officers on the streets. The department will boost high-visibility patrols, starting Thursday, the traditional “Mischief Night.”

“While we encourage everyone to enjoy Halloween, we also warn that vandalism and acts of mischief that threaten safety or result in property damage will not be tolerated,” the department said. “With that said, parents are urged to please monitor their children’s activities not only on Halloween night, but also on Thursday, Oct. 30, the traditional ‘Mischief Night.’”