Halloween Date Debate

The City of Brackettville announced several weeks ago via Facebook that trick-or-treating in the city would take place on Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The change from the traditional October 31 date was likely made to avoid a conflict with a home football game scheduled for Friday night. However, parents and teachers quickly chimed in online, pointing out that Thursday evening still posed challenges due to a JV football game and the strain that school-night festivities place on students and teachers the next day.

In response, the city sought public input, launching an online poll asking residents to vote for their preferred date—Thursday, October 30, or Saturday, November 1. After tallying votes, the city announced that Saturday had won, and trick-or-treating would be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. But the new date also raised concerns. Several residents noted that Saturday, November 1, coincides with Hunter’s Roundup, All Saints’ Day, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s All Souls Day celebration, as well as Brackett Youth Football’s Pee Wee and Prep homecoming games.

Some residents expressed frustration that the changes created confusion and suggested that sticking with the traditional October 31—despite scheduling conflicts—might have been simpler for everyone, especially for those who don’t follow city announcements on social media, with some commenting that their families would be trick-or-treating on Oct. 31, despite the city-sanctioned schedule. Fort Clark Springs Association announced on Wednesday, Oct. 22 that Trick or Treating at Fort Clark Springs would be held on the traditional date of Friday, October 31. This announcement brought its own pushback, as community members reminded others online of the conflict with the varsity Tiger football game, and that straying from the previous City announcement would split the activity into two dates and potentially smaller crowds. 

This year, residents are advised to expect trick-or-treaters on both Friday and Saturday evenings, as families make their own decisions about when to celebrate. The City of Brackettville encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities safely, keep an eye out for children walking along the streets, and drive with extra caution during both evenings. Families are reminded to visit only homes with porch lights on and to carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility.

Follow the City of Brackettville on Facebook HERE.