The savvy trick-or-treater doesn’t just celebrate Halloween on the 31st anymore. Instead, many children these days stretch out the holiday, rehearsing for the big night at various community events.
Last week for three-consecutive nights, the Reston Association sponsored a Halloween Trail at the Walker Nature Education Center, where many children tried on their Halloween costumes early. The 30-minute guided twilight tour of the forest featured Halloween lore, costumes, jack-o-lanterns, and sound and light effects. Dozens of children watched Halloween cartoons and ate free popcorn while waiting in line.
On Saturday at the Reston Community Center, about 1,000 children participated in Halloween Family Day. Mostly dressed up, children up to eight years old enjoyed a variety of carnival-style games, treats, and prizes. A giant dragon Moonbounce greeted arrivals to the popular event.
It seemed like the events were good practice for the real thing Monday, when many of the young trick-or-treaters went in search of more candy and fun.