Beat the streets

Halloween is just around the corner, and excitement is building across Weston County. Costumes are ready, candy bowls are filled, and pumpkins are glowing on porches. 

One of the season’s highlights has become the Trunk or Treat event, hosted by the Newcastle Area Chamber of Commerce. It is a fun way for families to celebrate together — and we at the News Letter Journal love seeing all the faces and costumes in one place.

This year, we also want to encourage families to get out and beat the streets. 

There’s something special about the old-fashioned joy of walking through town, knocking on doors, and greeting neighbors along the way. 

Many of our elderly residents look forward to Halloween all year. Seeing children dressed up brings them joy and connection — a reminder of the community spirit that defines small-town life. That’s why we’re especially glad that Mondell Heights and Weston County Manor will once again welcome trick-or-treaters. The residents of these assisted living and long-term care facilities absolutely light up when kids visit in costume. Stopping by for a few minutes means more to them than you might realize — and it’s a memory your children won’t forget, either.

And don’t forget to take in the amazing Halloween decorations throughout town. So many families pour time and creativity into turning their homes into haunted masterpieces — they deserve to be seen and enjoyed.

So, by all means, enjoy Trunk or Treat. But afterward, grab your coats, hit the sidewalks, and make the rounds. Stop by Mondell Heights and the Manor, share some smiles, and keep the tradition of door-to-door trick-or-treating alive. Because Halloween isn’t just about candy, it’s about community.

And while you’re out enjoying the fun, be sure to follow safe trick-or-treating practices — stick to well-lit areas, use reflective gear, and watch for traffic so everyone can have a safe and spooky good time!