Massachusetts city considers moving Halloween
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The second largest city in Massachusetts is considering permanently moving Halloween to the last Saturday of October instead of Oct. 31 to avoid problems with midweek trick-or-treating.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. hopes to discuss the move with local police and school leaders, as well as community, neighborhood and faith-based groups.
City Councilor Matthew Walley filed an order last month requesting a report on the feasibility of making the change.
He said designating trick-or-treating to take place on a Saturday would allow festivities to begin earlier end ease the stress on working parents.
City attorney David Moore says Halloween is a secular cultural event not governed by any laws. He says a declaration moving Halloween would not be legally binding.
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Information from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Mass.), http://www.telegram.com