Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Halloween events, safety tips offered
by Andrea Noble | Staff Writer
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Bowie is gearing up for Halloween with several events this week designed to get residents of all ages into the spirit of the season.
On Saturday, children can debut their costumes at an afternoon ice skating party before going out to trick-or-treat.
The event at the Bowie Ice Arena, at 3330 Northview Drive, runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and will feature music, treat bags and a costume contest. Attendees can get free admission to the event by wearing a costume or bringing a can of food for donation. Skate rental costs $2.75.
On Friday, the Bowie Senior Center, at 14900 Health Center Drive, will conduct a Halloween Pep Rally. Attendees are asked to come in pep rally costumes, such as a sports team's outfit, mascot or cheerleader costume.
"We've had some great costumes [in the past]," said senior center director Kathy White. The pep rally is slated for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes lunch and music from DJ Patrick McGraw. The cost is $8 for Bowie residents and $9 for non-residents.
Residents also can visit the Bowie Baysox haunted asylum Friday and Saturday night at Prince George's Stadium, at 4101 Crain Highway. The asylum takes approximately 20 minutes to walk through and features more than 30 live actors. It is open from 6 to 11 p.m. and rated PG-13. Tickets are $15 per person.
The city of Bowie suggests trick-or-treaters head out between 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday so residents will know when to expect them, said city communications coordinator Una Cooper.
Children are four-and-a-half times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night during the year, said Mark Brady, spokesman for the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department. Between 4 and 10 p.m. on Halloween, police also see a spike in reports of burn-related and pedestrian injuries.
To stay safe during trick-or-treating, Brady offered the following tips: Children should carry flashlights and not use candles or torches, be accompanied by an adult, avoid entering homes or apartments, avoid using busy streets and stay on sidewalks.
Parents should not allow children to eat Halloween treats until they have returned home, so adults can examine the items,
Residents receiving trick-or-treaters should keep a light on near their door and remove obstacles that could cause children to trip. Jack-o'-lanterns should also be kept clear of doorsteps and landings.
E-mail Andrea Noble at anoble@gazette.net.