This Sunday, October 31, small ghouls and witches will roam the streets of Lismore searching for treats. Instead of randomly knocking on doors, the young trick or treaters will be following a Lismore Halloween Hotspot map - and the map still needs more trick or treating venues.

According to Lismore local, Donna Louise Walker, the Lismore Halloween Hotspot map means people are not put in the awkward position of having to turn away children empty handed.

For the past three years (through the difficulties of living under Covid restrictions) Donna created a centralized ‘Halloween Hotspot’ register (on Facebook) for households who want to take an active part of giving out treats for kids.

“It’s about creating a safe way for kids and families to dress up and get out into the community on this special day,” Donna said.

“It’s one of the only nights in the year that the community walks around the streets safely.

“It’s also about the community recognising the time taken by kids to look cute and have fun too.”

Why Halloween?

While some people might wonder why Australians want to celebrate the American tradition of trick or treating, Donna said it’s not just about that.

“October 31 is a pagan tradition of All Hallows Eve – and we can also celebrate the Mexican day of the dead,” she said. “It’s about recognizing and celebrating the cycle of death and life.”

Trick or treating in Covid style

 Donna said following the Halloween Hotspot map means families can get in the car and drive to areas where there are lots of participating households.

“People can hang outside in their yards and get to know their neighbours while the trick or treaters come by,” she said.

So far this year, Donna said East Lismore is looking like the “best pickings” for trick or treaters.

Tips

Expect people to turn up after school from 4pm to just after dark.

If you are participating, put balloons or a poster on your letterbox to show you have candy to share. Individually wrapped candy is recommended – but only put small amounts in the bowl for the children to grab

Also put some hand sanitiser out for them to use.

Groups are recommended to stay 1.5 metres away from each other and not all enter at once.

To register

Visit the Facebook site Lismore Halloween Hotspots and register your name and address and the map will be updated with your place as a venue.

There will be giveaways of props and costumes through the Facebook site, leading up to Halloween.

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