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Community Corner

How Old Is Too Old to Trick or Treat?

Is elementary school-age the limit or is it OK for teens to join the ranks of neighborhood trick or treaters?

Preparations are under way and families are getting ready for the big candy fest scheduled for the end of the month. Costumes catalogues are being scoured for the right outfit for little trick or treaters, shelves are being stocked with yellow and orange candy bars and front yards are decorated with ghosts and goblins - there's no doubt, October is here. 

We're all happy to see those cute little angels, pumpkins or miniature Superman look alikes who knock on our door and sing "trick or treat" on Oct. 31 each year. Well, most of us are anway. But how do we feel about the 14- or 15-year-olds, some not even bothered to dress up, who stop by for their share of the loot?

Organized events in many municipalities have a stipulation - elementary school-age only and participants must be dressed for the occasion. But it isn't so easy to enforce this when an older child or teen knocks on your front door and holds out his or her pillowcase, often already laden with goodies.

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So what do you think? What age is too old for door-to-door neighborhood trick or treating?

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