It’s almost Halloween, so why not take a look back at some of the Halloween-related stories here on DM from over the years…

Back in the early days of this site, I apparently posted random pictures from People.com of dogs dressed for Halloween.  This was a pre-“Facebook rules in the internet” era, so these types of posts actually brought in a few eyeballs.  Keep reading though, it gets a bit more Decatur-centric in subsequent years…

Who remembers Moey’s Candy Voting Machine costume from 2008 and how it went sorta global?  In 2009, Moey hit the streets as internet sensation Keyboard Cat, and that post ended up being DM’s most-viewed ever for a couple of years.

Does anyone else recall this awesome Halloween poster from 2009 by famed, local tattoo artist Russ Abbott?

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From the Decatur Police Department…

If you want to start your trick-or-treating early, drop by the Decatur Police Department this Saturday, October 31^st from 3pm-5pm for treats AND free reflective Trick-or-Treat bags!

On Halloween evening there will be additional officers and volunteers patrolling neighborhoods, parks, school properties, the Decatur Cemetery and business districts in marked patrol cars, unmarked cars, bicycles and on foot.

Safety Tips

For the youngsters:

• Go trick-or-treating with a grown-up or in groups if you are old enough and allowed to do so by your parents.
• Make sure to cross streets properly. Look both ways and look again before crossing and cross at corners or crosswalks. Walking out from in between parked cars is very dangerous because you may not be seen until it is too late.
• Make sure you are seen! Wear bright colors or something with reflective trim and carry glow sticks, reflective bags and/or flashlights.

For the rest of us:

• Know where older kids and teens are and check up on them.

• Be extra careful and aware of all of the little pedestrians and distracted bigger pedestrians if you are out driving Halloween night.

• Be responsible if you are drinking.

Photo courtesy of andrechinn via Flickr

So first off – The Lenox Place neighborhood is apparently struggling with mutant flamingo problem.  Just so you’re all aware.  I haven’t seen much press about it yet.  Let’s all pray they can keep the problem contained.  Geez.

In somewhat related news – Here are the details and deadlines for this year’s Decorate Decatur Halloween contest!

Nancy, who hosts the Decorate Decatur Facebook page, tells us that the city needs to receive your submissions by this Wednesday at midnight.  Note that the judging this year will be based on emailed entries. The city won’t be driving around itself this year looking for the best decorations.

So get out there and snap a photo of your favorite decorations and send them to [email protected] !  Include the decorated home’s address and a description of the decorations as well.

Now I’m off to purchase me some anti-flamingo spray.

Photo courtesy of Decorate Decatur Facebook page

From the City of Decatur website…

Decorate your home or business in the colors and traditions of the season and enter Decatur’s third annual Halloween Decorating Contest. Submit a photo to [email protected] by noon on Monday, Oct. 29. Be sure to include your name and address. Judges will make their decision Monday evening and the winners will be posted on the Decatur website, the DowntownDecatur Facebook page, and the www.thedecaturminute.com blog. Winners will receive special yard signs on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to display throughout the week.

The winner of the Commissioners Cauldron will be presented at the Nov. 5 city commission meeting. If you have questions or need more information email [email protected] or call 678-553-6573.

And related: what are the best area streets to hit over the next few weeks, if you have children who want to see all the coolest houses?

Rachel writes in…

I am wondering if people are planning on taking their kids trick or treating on the actual holiday, which is a Sunday, or Saturday, to avoid the chaos on a school night.

Why the heck not?

Feel free to chime in and report your own Halloween stories. Baaww hahahaha!

There’s a great question on Oakhurst’s Message Board that’s inspired me to ask a similar question here:

How many trick-or-treaters come to your door on Halloween? (Don’t forget to mention which neighborhood you live in)

I ask because many newcomers are caught unaware by the critical mass of children that take to Decatur’s streets with demands of Snickers bars and Reeses on All-Hallows Eve.

That was us last year when we unknowingly didn’t buy enough candy and my wife was browbeaten by a 12-year-old punk for not turning off all the lights and putting a “No Candy” sign on the door fast enough.

We’d rather not have a repeat performance of that.