Why Is Trick or Treating Today In Some Towns?

Today is not Halloween but if you live in Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and South Toms River you might be fooled because you will see kids trick or treating in the neighborhood.  In keeping with a long standing tradition the search for candy takes place the day before the holiday so there is no conflict with the 84^th annual Halloween Parade sponsored by Toms River Fire Company #1 which kicks off at 7pm tonight.  Residents who have lived here for a while are quite familiar with this but I always wonder about those who moved into one of the towns recently…I would imagine somebody gets caught off guard every year.

This change from the rest of the country has been somewhat controversial but it seems the overwhelming majority in the four towns are in favor of the move that allows them to see the parade on one night and have the kids trick or treating on another.  In the past some residents have complained about groups of teens coming from other towns to “double dip” and at one time this was especially true in the northern part of Toms River although I don’t know that’s the case any longer.

While I have always questioned how a parade can take precedent over what is done basically everywhere else I no longer really care.  I have no children at home, my grandson lives in North Jersey and in truth I don’t like Halloween all that much to begin with.

Today I will remain at home and greet trick or treaters with a big smile and look forward to seeing their costumes (especially the little ones).  At 8pm my lights will go off and I’ll watch Monday Night Football.