Halloween is a recipe for fun. Combine a great costume with an opportunity for candy, and you have a child who is ready to say “Trick or Treat” in a heartbeat. So to help prevent danger situations, take the following steps for a safer Halloween:

• Plan your route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood. If you’re planning to attend this year’s “Halloween on the Square,” remember traffic will be blocked off beginning at 4:45 p.m.

• Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.

• Instead of masks which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see, use face makeup. And make sure you come by The Star-News office from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. to get your photo taken.

• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.

Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.

Still freaking out about a costume?

It’s easy! Just try one of these:

• One of the Disney princesses like Allison Mitchell, Jenni Cruz, Airiana Mayo and Allison Lundy (below) as Cinderella, Jasmine, Tinker Bell and Snow White.

• Any character from Alice in Wonderland (see Melanie McKinley, right) will be hugely popular. If you are the parent of twin boys, try Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb.

• Don’t forget about the super heros. Taniyah Peacock (left) chose Batgirl as her costume this year, and there’s Iron Man, Batman, Superman and a host of new superheros.

• Still stumped? Tried and true favorites a vampire, cheerleader, football player, G.I. Joe and a hunter can be done with items found around the home.

Special thanks to the children at

Bright Beginnings Preschool