Halloween 2022: Eight things to know
Here are some tips for a fun and safe Halloween:
(1) The traditional time for trick-or-treating is after the sun sets on Oct. 31. Some apartment complexes or HOAs may set a different day, however.
(2) Visit Fairfax posted a list of some of the best-decorated Halloween houses, although none of them are in Mason District.
(3) Check out Visit Fairfax for a list of Halloween events across the county.
(4) Here are some events in our area:
Oct. 22 – Kids are encouraged to dress in costume for the Annandale Parade, Columbia Pike, Annandale, 10 a.m.
Oct. 29 – Trunk or Treat, Peace Lutheran Church, 6362 Lincolnia Road, 10 a.m.
Oct. 29 – Trunk or Treat & Chili Cookoff, Forest Hollow Swim Club, 4330 Old Columbia Pike, Annandale, 2 p.m.
Oct. 30 – Mosaic Halloween Spooktacular, Mosaic District, Merrifield. The Farmers Market opens at 9 a.m. Trick-or-treating at the stores all day. Face painting at the Vienna Singing Princesses glamour tent 2-7 p.m. “The Addams Family” movie (2019 animated version) on the big screen at Strawberry Park at 6 p.m.
Oct. 30 – Trunk or Treat, St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, 4801 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
(5) Tips for safe trick-or-treating:
• Children should only visit homes with porch lights on or active Halloween decorations.
• Tell them not to ever enter a stranger’s house.
• Make sure they know their phone number and address.
• Have them carry a flashlight.
• Costumes should be visible in the dark, made with fire-retardant materials, and short enough so they don’t impede walking.
• Use makeup instead of masks that could prevent them from seeing clearly.
• Make sure they cross the street at intersections or corners – not between parked cars.
(6) Tips for adults:
• Avoid treats that exacerbate allergies: Give out nut-free treats and inspect your child’s candy before they eat it.
• Be extra careful driving on Halloween night. Watch out for children darting into traffic.
• At home, keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and heaters.
• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’lanterns instead of real candles.
• Make sure power cords outside don’t present a tripping risk.
(7) Don’t forget about your pets. Provide a safe, secure space for pets during trick-or-treating time. Don’t let pets eat chocolate, as it can make them sick.
(8) After Halloween, pumpkins can be composted during Pumpkin Palooza. Bring unpainted, unglittered pumpkins to the I-95 Landfill Station in Lorton or the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax or to one of the farmers markets that accept food scraps. That includes the Sunday market at Mosaic.
