Halloween Celebrations Continue to Grow; Highlight Safety and a Bounty of Treats

Kids Know Exactly What They Want In Their Trick-or-Treat Bags

(Vienna, VA) — From costumes and carved pumpkins to parties and trick-or-treating, kids and adults alike support the continuing growth of Halloween as a fun family holiday and American tradition. This year, retail sales of Halloween-related items are expected to reach $6.9 billion, reports the National Retail Federation. Best of all, the celebration can be safe as well as lots of fun, according to the National Safety Council.

For the candy industry, Halloween is the top holiday in sales. “Halloween traditions of trick-or-treating and costume parties just wouldn’t be the same without candy,” says Larry Graham, president of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). “Candy comes in so many fun flavors and varieties, it is a central part of holiday celebrations.”

What do kids want to find in their trick-or-treat bags this year?

Candy and gum are ranked at the top of the list, kids said in a telephone survey conducted by NCA. Eighty-four percent of kids said candy and gum are their favorite goodies to receive. Save the salty snacks and fruit for another time, however. Only 1 percent of kids voted these items among their favorites to receive among their trick-or-treat bounty.

Parents take part in the trick-or-treat action, too. Ninety percent of parents said they sneak goodies from their children’s trick-or-treat bags. Miniature chocolate bars are their favorite treat to snitch.

Before the Halloween celebrations begin, however, safety should be top-of-mind. There are some simple safety rules everyone should follow, according to Vago Galounis, director of the National Safety Council. “As parents, we want to protect our children without taking the joy and celebration out of their lives,” he says. “Kids can have a great Halloween and parents can have peace of mind by following these safety guidelines.”

Know your children’s trick-or-treat route and insist they stick to it.
Young children should trick-or-treat with an adult; older children should trick-or-treat with friends or in a group.
Go only to houses that are familiar and never enter homes, cars or accompany strangers.
Review appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions with your kids including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
Dress in light-colored or reflective costumes and carry a lightweight flashlight.
Stay on the sidewalks or curbside unless crossing the street; look both ways for vehicles.
Drivers should pay special attention to speed limits and be alert to children who may be difficult to see at night.
Parents should inspect all treats their children bring home before any are consumed. Any treats in loose or open wrappers should be discarded.

The National Confectioners Association echoes these safety tips. “We want families to have a fun, enjoyable and safe holiday,” adds Graham.