Woodbridge Township - Woodbridge Township is under the spell of “Haunted Halloween” with special Township-wide “Spooktacular” events to celebrate the annual recognition of “All Hollows Eve.” As Halloween has grown in popularity, so have responsibilities to safeguard and protect our ‘trick-or-treaters’ as they go from house-to-house and to the special holiday events sponsored by the Township Department of Recreation, schools and community groups.
The Woodbridge Police Department (WPD) will enforce a special Halloween curfew on the evenings of Sun., Oct. 30 (Mischief Night) and Mon., Oct. 31 (Halloween). While scary fun is great, special safety reminders and precautions will be in place in order to keep Township “trick-or-treaters” out of harm’s way. The curfew is in place from 7:00 P.M. to sunrise on Sun., Oct. 30 and Mon., Oct. 31 and applies to everyone under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult). Police will issue a warning and instructions to return home to first-time violators; second offense violators will be held until picked-up by a parent or guardian.
While the Woodbridge Police Department (WPD) will be watching out for our ‘ghosts and goblins’ as part of special Halloween patrols and the Health Department is available to provide information on healthy treats, the safety of our youngest ‘trick-or-treaters’ falls to parents and older children. We encourage everyone – young and old alike – to think ‘safety first’ as they attend the many Halloween events and as youngsters take to the streets for ‘trick-or-treating’ on Halloween.”
The WPD also issued important Halloween safety precautions:
• Make sure “Trick-or-Treaters” know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on – that is the signal that the homeowner/resident is ready to greet “Trick-or-Treaters.” NEVER ENTER A STRANGER'S HOUSE OR VEHICLE;
• Consider using make-up rather than masks. Masks obstruct vision, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic;
• Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to darker costumes;
• Always carry a flashlight or an inexpensive battery-operated strobe light;
• An adult should always accompany small children while “Trick-or-Treating.” Older children should travel in groups for safety;
• Trick-or-treat in daylight hours;
• Consider handing out something other than candy - fast food coupons, sports cards, and other novelty items make for safe treats;
• Trick-or-treaters should return home before opening candy and other treats – previously opened candy should be thrown out.
The Department of Recreation is hosting a “Haunted Halloween Hay Ride & Family Fun Festival” on Thurs., Oct. 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. at Parker Press Park. But, Beware of the Ghosts & Goblins along the way!!!
Woodbridge Halloween fun continues with the Woodbridge High School “Haunted House” (proceeds benefit the WHS Choir) on Fri., Oct. 28 and Sat., Oct. 29. Experience your worst “Fears, Phobias & Superstitions” at the “Haunted House” – located in the old (some say haunted) building at 1500 Rahway Avenue (across from the State Prison). “Happy Haunted House” (lights on) for youngsters is open from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. The real scary “Haunted House” is open from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. Tickets: $8.00 in advance; $10.00 at Door (adults) and $5.00 (children under 10 years of age.) Call 732-602-8634 for the scary details.