Mayor: I'm Not Sure Trick or Treating is Appropriate

With some towns around the state completely canceling Halloween festivities and telling residents to absolutely not go out for trick or treating Wednesday, Bridgewater Mayor Dan Hayes has said he will leave it up to the parents, but strongly recommends against going out.

"I really don't see a need why anybody who is in middle school and older has the need to go out and trick or treat after dark, and I don't recommend it," he said. "For toddlers, parents may want to keep their spirits high, but it depends on the neighborhood."

"I am not sure this is an appropriate time," he added.

Hayes said that if residents are looking to follow the lead from Gov. Chris Christie, they should not take their children trick or treating.

"But I am going to let parents do what they think is best," he said.

Hayes said he does not believe children will be able to do the normal broad walk around the township that they might have done in other years with so many trees and wires down. He said he doesn't see any reason to go out this evening, but there is not going to be a formal proclamation cancelling celebration of the holiday.

"The holiday is great for the children," he said, "but I think parents need to take a look at what is happening outside."

At this point, the township has postponed its annual Trick or Treat Night until Nov. 7, and the Bridgewater Commons Mall is closed Wednesday, canceling its trick or treat program as well.

Bridgewater Township Police Chief Richard Borden said Christie effectively cancelled Halloween festivities around the state, and his department supports that.

"Due to the lack of power throughout much of the township and the ongoing power line situation, we strongly urge parents not to partake in any Halloween activities today other than indoor activity," he said. "From our standpoint, the less people walking around neighborhoods the better."

"There is a good number of residents in the township that are not faring well, and unnecessary distractions would not be viewed favorably at this time," he added.