CHENANGO COUNTY — Halloween is nearly here, and as all the goblins and ghouls don their costumes, the Norwich Police Department (NPD) wants parents and trick or treaters to keep a few tips in mind to stay safe while celebrating the holiday.

While out trick or treating, the NPD reminds parents to "always prepare your children to be watching for oncoming traffic and to use caution when entering roadways." If children are trick or treating without their parents, the department recommends having them go with a group of friends.

When kids get home with buckets full of candy, before diving in the NPD says to "inspect your children's candy and make sure that everything seems normal. If the candy appears to have been opened or tampered with, throw it in the garbage."

They also reminded residents that if they see anything suspicious while out trick or treating to call the NPD at 607-334-1212, and an officer will respond.

Trunk or Treat

On Saturday, October 29, there will be Trunk or Treat events in the City of Norwich and the Village of Earlville.

In Norwich, over 20 local businesses, nonprofits, and families will set up shop in the Frontier parking lot from 2 to 4 p.m. and hand out candy. The event will follow the second annual Norwitch Fall Festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in West Park, and the annual Norwich Family YMCA Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at 11 a.m., followed by the costume contest awards ceremony on the Chenango County Courthouse steps.

There will also be a trick or treating event from 3 to 5 p.m. at Grace View Manor in Norwich, sponsored by the Donna Frech School of Dance and the residents of Grace View Manor.

In Earlville, Trunk or Treat will run from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Earlville. Many area businesses will be participating, and residents can donate non-perishable food items for the Earlville Food Cupboard at the event as well.

Following the Earlville Trunk or Treat will be a free spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., as well as a free screening of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

Chenango County Trick or Treat Times

City of Norwich: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Village of Afton: 5 to 7 p.m.

Village of Bainbridge: 5 to 7 p.m.

Village of Earlville: After dark

Village of Greene: 5 to 8 p.m.

Village of New Berlin: 4 to 8 p.m.

Village of Oxford: 5 to 8 p.m.

Village of Sherburne: 5 to 8 p.m.

Village of Smyrna: 5 to 8 p.m.