Whereas, the children of the Borough of South Plainfield are entitled to
the fun and festivity associated with the observance of the Halloween "Trick or Treat"
custom, that is going from door to door in the immediate neighborhoods,
displaying their costumes and requesting "treats", and
Whereas, the increasing possibility of accidents is an ever present threat, and
Whereas, the night before Halloween, Saturday, October 30, 1999 is known as "Mischief
Night" and has been traditionally a night when childish pranks have been played,
some of said pranks have resulted in physical harm to others as well as damage to
automobiles and properties of innocent owners.
Now therefore, I, Daniel J. Gallagher, Mayor of the Borough of South Plainfield, do
hereby proclaim that a curfew of 6:00 PM on Mischief Night, Saturday,
October 30, 1999, be imposed and enforced for all minor residents of the
Borough to protect residents and their properties, and
I further proclaim Sunday, October 31, 1999 as "Trick or Treat Day" in the Borough
with all trick or treat activities to be conducted between the hours of 2:00 PM and
6:00 PM.
I also ask that young children be accompanied by parents or other responsible adults. I
further request that householders indicate their willingness to welcome children
by keeping their porch or exterior lights on and that youngsters call only on
homes so lighted. I encourage the cooperation of all citizens, young and old, in
making this a happy and safe occasion for children.
I further request because there have been, in recent years, incidents of children receiving
and consuming articles of food or candy that have been tampered with by the
inclusion of dangerous items, controlled dangerous substances and poison and
these incidents have been highly publicized when discovered, it is the
recommendation of this office that parental supervision be extended to include
insistence that children do not consume any "treats" until closely examined by
their parents.
It is further advised that all parents follow the rule "if in doubt - throw it out" where any
evidence of tampering with packaging or surfaces of consumable products exists.
_____________________________
Daniel J. Gallagher,
Mayor
October 14, 1999