Much more than candy-gobbling goblins

Halloween is about to haunt Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners and Oak Creek with a mix of traditional neighborhood trick or treats and other communitywide gatherings.

Franklin and Hales Corners

Franklin and Hales Corners will observe traditional trick-or-treat festivities throughout their respective communities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Greendale parade and more

Greendale is the home of two types of celebrations.

The official village celebration begins at 3 p.m. Sunday with a parade that steps off at Brinkman Field at Greendale High School and proceeds north on Broad Street to the Visitor's Center.

Celebrations Committee Chairwoman Carolann Matzek said the celebration has a few new features.

"We have Police Chief Bob Malasuk and his family leading the parade this year," said Matzek, pointing out that they will be dressed as convicts.

The participation of the chief is a welcome addition, she said.

"He has really made an effort to have the department be part of our celebrations," she added.

Pets will also be part of the parade. Prizes will be awarded for the Canine Best Costume Contest and pet refreshments will be served at Caesar's Pet after the parade.

Matzek added Halloween Express is providing a hearse filled with day-glow necklaces, which will come in handy for the trick-or-treat crowd enjoying a later start time at 4 p.m., until 7 p.m.

"Families expressed an interest in having trick or treat when it gets darker out," Matzek said. "They thought it would be more fun, so we moved it back."

Matzek also noted that the village has made a special effort to make sure that everyone who comes to the celebration gets a special candy treat.

For those who wish to start the celebration earlier, Southridge Mall is providing Halloween music, tattoos, trick-or-treat bags and more for costumed youngsters at its Simon Kidgets Club festivities from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the mall's south-end lower level.

The Simon Kidgets Club provides youth activities at Southridge throughout the year for a $5 membership. Nonmembers can join with payment at the event.

A dose of Oak Creek history

Oak Creek already has been distributing trick-or-treat bags from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the front window of the Police Department, 301 W. Ryan Road. It's in preparation for the city's official trick-or-treat time, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Halloween also is celebrated at the city's "safe site," also from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Historical Society's campus of five historical buildings on the corner of Forest Hill and 15th Ave.

There, according to archivist Judy Salchow, families enjoy a tours and treats.

"It has become a great tradition here," Salchow said. "Historical Society members dress up in costumes and lead the tours, and it's just a great way for families to gather in one place and celebrate."

Timely reminders

The city also offers the following universal Halloween safety tips:

Be sure older children take friends and that younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult.

Never approach a home that is not well-lighted inside and out. Conversely, turn on your porch light to show that you are participating in trick-or-treat activities.

Make sure children carry a flashlight or a glow stick after dark to make them more visible.

Select costumes that are reflective and flame retardant and that fit properly to prevent trips or falls.

Remind children not to eat their goodies before you check them. Only unopened and fully wrapped candies should be consumed.