Event needs our attention (11/04/2008)

Let's make sure it continues to be a treat.

The Halloween event put together by downtown Portland merchants and the Jay County Chamber of Commerce has quickly become a phenomenon.

Hundreds of kids and their parents filled the sidewalks Friday night.

Dozens of merchants and their employees passed out an amazing amount of candy.

So far, it's been a treat.

But we all need to work together to make sure it stays safe.

Most adults were doing a good job of keeping an eye on the kids Friday, but there were way too many close calls, usually involving children who darted into the street, crossed against the light, or crossed the street in the middle of the block.

With all of that traffic and all of those children, extra care is going to be needed to make sure someone doesn't get hurt.

That's happened before on trick-or-treat night locally, and it's painful for the entire community.

Halloween should be lighthearted fun, something for the kids. And the downtown event is a tremendous addition. It allows families with young children to park the car, walk together in daylight, and visit merchants who are safe and inviting stops along the way.

Let's just make sure it continues to be a great event for all concerned, and that means the adults involved - all of us - are going to have to step up the emphasis on safety. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]