Editor, OBSERVER:
Halloween is an important holiday for many children across the country. Here in Chautauqua County, our local trick-or-treating hours aren't quite as long as they could be.
As a resident of Fredonia, I do not see the reason why trick-or-treating hours only last until 7 or 8 p.m. With supervision and awareness of danger, Halloween hours should be extended so children can have an even better time while they are out.
Other than the times that Halloween falls on a Saturday or Sunday, if Halloween falls on any other day of the week, the children who are going out trick-or-treating have school they must attend during the day. That cuts out the time that children are able to be out. Another issue is that most children's parents have to work during the day and by the time they get home from work that cuts their children's trick-or-treating hours down even more. I think that the different area communities should discuss a solution to make hours longer for these children.
I can see the concern about having Halloween hours end at a later time. Towns want to make sure that people are not out past dark causing mischief. The argument I have with that is that no matter what time trick-or-treating hours end, if there are people who are going to cause mischief, they are going to no matter what time of the night it ends.
Therefore I think trick-or-treating hours should be extended for the enjoyment of the children across the county.
JESSICA TIMM,
Fredonia
