With Halloween just around the corner, kids (and adults) all across the state are gearing up for a weekend of spooktacular events and activities. Whether it’s going to a costume party, trick-or-treating or just decorating the house to join in on the spirit, here are a few things New Jerseyans should know about All Hallows Eve this year.
1. You might see a teal pumpkin or two
Photo credit: Elle Riley Photography.
Pumpkins might be dressed up in teal this year as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project. Run by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization, the initiative aims to promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters during the Halloween season, as well as raise awareness of food allergies.
Painting a pumpkin teal and placing it in front of your home lets those with food allergies know you will also offer non-food treats, such as glow sticks, coins or bookmarks. Those without allergies, however, may be on the hunt for one treat in particular.
2. Kids can’t get enough Sour Patch Kids
Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: Upupa4me.
If you’re running out to pick up some last minute Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters, you might want to snag a bag of Sour Patch Kids.
The slightly sweet, mostly sour sugary treat was recently ranked as the most popular Halloween candy in New Jersey according to Influenster, a product discovery and review platform. Over 40,000 people joined the survey—Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup pulled in the most votes overall. The only other state that ranked Sour Patch Kids as their favorite treat is North Dakota.
3. You might want to dress up your dog
Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: Crystal Agozzino.
Dressing up your canine companion is very in in New Jersey right now, according to a survey by Big Heart Pet Brands. Of 3,000 dog parents surveyed nationally, the Garden State was ranked as the No. 2 most “Howl-o-ween” State in the nation. Jersey pet owners are more likely to include their furry friends in Halloween festivities by dressing them up, buying them treats and bringing them trick-or-treating. Fortunately for Fido, New Jersey is home to one of the best trick-or-treating spots in the country.
4. The best place to trick-or-treat in the state is…
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: slyckgc.
Chester! The Daily Meal, a food and drink website, recently ranked Chester Township as the No. 3 best town to go trick-or-treating in the country.
The list, which includes 25 towns in total, is ranked based on family friendliness, safety, community events and walkability. Chester is home to Alstede Farms, Cooper Gristmill and Hacklebarney Cider Mill—which all offer great fall activities—and the township is set to hold an annual Trunk-or-Treat for residents at Chubb Park from 4 pm—6 pm on October 29. So if you’re planning on traveling to a neighborhood to bring your kids trick-or-treating, Chester Township make’s for a great spot.
Wait a second, what exactly is Trunk-or-Treating?
5. There’s a trend growing rapidly around the state
Photo Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: ISF Florence.
If you’ve never heard of Trunk-or-Treating, it began in the late 1990s as a safer alternative to trick-or-treating. Growing in popularity in recent years, Trunk-or-Treats—often held by towns, nonprofit organizations or religious groups—consists of people who decorate their cars in Halloween garb and hand out candy to attendees.
The idea is the event brings the community closer together and allows for a safe place for trick-or-treaters to get their Halloween treats.
Make sure to stay safe out there!
Got a spooky tip we should know about? Sound off in the comments!
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