Halloween in Medowie has been gaining in popularity the last few years, and has warranted a discussion on safe trick or treating with your children.

Last year, Medowie mum Susan Patten witnessed online discussion getting heated about parents taking their children trick or treating.

It is important to remember that there is a vast difference between stranger danger, and dressing up in costumes and going around to your neighbours with your parents/friends one night a year in a planned and controlled environment.

With the old ‘neighbourhood watch’ program long gone in Medowie, it is also a comforting thought that children, accompanied by an adult, will get to know their neighbours.

Susan Patten last year started a wonderful idea in Medowie, that we hope to see gain even more participants this year.

Susan purchased bags of balloons and left baskets at the major retailers in Medowie, then delivered a considerable about of them to homes nearby, with a note asking the owners to put the balloon on the mailbox if they intended to participate and would be okay with knocking.

This year, you will hopefully see the balloons around town again, and we encourage people to take one for their letterboxes.

Susan told News Of The Area, “It’s such a wonderful afternoon and evening if done safely and properly. The kids have a fantastic time.”

Medowie Mums facebook page will also be compiling a ‘Halloween Safe List’ for anyone to add their name/address to if they desire.

Halloween is Monday, 31 October.

By Rachael VAUGHAN