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Let's Have Halloween on Saturdays

Connecticut state rep says it would boost community spirit

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 25, 2011 3:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – One state lawmaker wants to boost the economy and help out harried parents by legislating that Halloween always falls on a Saturday, the Hartford Courant reports. Connecticut Rep. Tim Larson says having Halloween on the last Saturday in October would also be safer for trick-or-treaters because parents could start earlier in the day. "It's kind of a whimsical idea," he admits, "but it's smart from a common-sense safety perspective."

The governor's office didn't bite, however: "The governor is worried about confusing the ghosts, goblins, and witches—so he thinks leaving Halloween on Oct. 31st is the right thing to do," said a rep for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. One Republican state senator even blasted Larson for wanting to involve government in the private sector. But Larson says his idea would lead to more Halloween celebrations and more spending, while helping neighbors to "get out to see each other ... it's the small things that start sending a good vibe."

A child accompanied by the parent wonders around the Georgetown neighborhood during Georgetown's annual Halloween party on October 31, 2010, in Washington, DC.
A child accompanied by the parent wonders around the Georgetown neighborhood during Georgetown's annual Halloween party on October 31, 2010, in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
Two children dressed in costume to celebrate Halloween walks as they collect candies through a neighborhood of Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006.
Two children dressed in costume to celebrate Halloween walks as they collect candies through a neighborhood of Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006.   (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Children dressed in Halloween costumes celebrate the holiday at a shopping center in Hong Kong Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007.
Children dressed in Halloween costumes celebrate the holiday at a shopping center in Hong Kong Tuesday, Oct 30, 2007.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
iamnotamac
Oct 27, 2011 2:54 PM CDT
Focusing on world issues vs. proposing changes for the date of Halloween No wonder the government is trillions of dollars in debt.
HotontheRim
Oct 25, 2011 5:58 PM CDT
My town has already set trick-or-treating for Saturday...and I'm sure it's not the only town to change the day for festivities. The proposal makes sense to me. By moving it to Saturday, Monday night is freed for more important things, like the kids getting that night's homework done, and the haunted mazes and the candy gorging is reserved for a day when we are more likely to appreciate the holiday anyway.
IndependentThinker
Oct 25, 2011 5:33 PM CDT
Sounds good to me.  Yeah at one time this was tied to a specific event but times change the world moves on and we need to adapt.  The last Saturday of the month is good for the kids and for the adults. Legislation is the right way to do this because it would get everyone on the same page at the same time.  Though ever year there seems to be more and more people making this a week long event ending on the 31st.

 
Connecticut • holiday • Halloween • governor • legislators

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