By By Adam Prestridge
Today is normal day in Atmore. Children are in school filling their heads full of knowledge, while adults are working a typical 9-to-5 workday.
Tonight, however, is a different story. As the sun sets on Atmore, ghosts and goblins will begin roaming the streets soliciting chewy bubble gum, milk chocolate that melts in their mouths and any other type of candy to feed on. Don't worry though, the town isn't being invaded, it's just Halloween. Just hand over the candy quickly and enjoy the smiles you bring to each of the small ghouls' face.
Not only does candy accompany Halloween, but so do pranks. If you are a prankster planning a mischievous act tonight, think again. The streets will be heavily patrolled by the Atmore Police Department during and after trick or treating hours and officers will not tolerate any tricks.
Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for young children. A time for them to dress up and spend time with family and friends. If you are sitting at home wondering if you are too old to trick or treat, you probably are. So stay at home, watch a scary movie and make some treats for yourself. Give the younger children their time to enjoy hunting treats from neighbors.
For those of you who don't participate in Halloween and are seeking an alternative, numerous churches in and around Atmore are holding Fall Festivals and Trunk or Treat events on their grounds. This is a perfect alternative to Halloween because children can still dress up in non-scary costumes, entertain themselves with games, which include prizes and fill up on yummy goodies.
So whatever your plans are tonight, be safe. There is a Halloween safety tip guide sponsored by local businesses on page 16A that each parent needs to read prior to going trick or treating with their children or allowing their older children to go alone. The tips could be the difference between a happy or unhappy Halloween.
Happy Halloween!
Adam Prestridge is publisher of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123.