Double, double, toil and trouble, it’s Halloween in Canyons that falling-leaves-in-rolling-fog time of year when child-sized ghosts, witches and zombies haunt the District’s hallways and classrooms.
The tradition of celebrating All Hallow’s Eve will be followed in schools, which have planned parties and parades. None are bigger in Canyons than Sandy Elementary’s annual Halloween parade down Historic Main Street in Sandy. The 9 a.m. spectacle draws hundreds of parents and neighbors, some of whom have been attending the parade for decades.
This year, the Canyons District Office, 9361 S. 300 East, will open its door to the young children of employees and patrons who are looking for a safe trick-or-treating experience.
Timed to coincide with the pending completion of the newly consolidated District Office, the 3 to 5 p.m. event is the perfect time to get a look at the new office space. While most of the new part of the building, paid for primarily with proceeds from the sale of land on 500 West, won’t be open for trick-or-treating tours, central-office employees will be in the lobby of the new wing to hand out candy.
CSD’s nurses also will be on hand in the Superintendent’s Conference Room from 3-5 p.m. to give flu shots to anyone who hasn’t had a chance to say “boo to the flu.”
On Thursday night, while black cats are prowling and the flickering light from pumpkins is carving the shadows, costumed children will be scurrying from house to house in search of trick-or-treat candy.
Canyons annually provides tips for families who are headed out for a night of revelry. As always, the safety experts urge parents to inspect the candy gathered by the kiddos. Toss any treats that appear to have been touched or unwrapped.
Children should travel with parents and in packs. It maximizes the safety of the Jokers who are heading house-to-house in search of more Snickers and Skittles.
Yes, we know your little ballerina wants to wear her slippers. But insist on sturdy footwear for Halloween, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization of physicians also says costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames.
According to the weather forecasters, temperatures could dip into the 20s, so revelers should put on a few more layers to enjoy the hocus pocus just a little longer even if it covers up the costume.
Drivers should be on high alert, as well. Slow down, obey all traffic signs and signals. Keep your eyes peeled for dashing young princes, especially as you’re backing up or exiting driveways or alleys.
Parents are encouraged to check the District’s dress code policy and their child’s school on the costume rules for the school-sponsored Halloween activities and assemblies. For the most part, though, masks and weapons, either real or facsimile, are not allowed.
