I really love Halloween. The lights, the costumes, even the rain, dark and cold. Fall in Bremerton is beautiful. This week everything timed out perfectly and the trees are wearing their full autumn regalia of colors during the day but are spindly enough to add to the scary atmosphere at night.

When we first moved to Bremerton a little over 12 years ago, there was not much in the way of organized activities for families and kids. That first year we had a total of six trick-or-treaters come to our door, because people were afraid to venture into many of the downtown neighborhoods after dark. Even the families that lived in those neighborhoods headed out to greener and safer pastures for their trick-or-treating fun. Boy, have things really changed for the better since then. Last year we had so many kids show up, we ran out of candy.

Neighborhood, door-to-door trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition that many of us remember nostalgically from our own childhood. But going door-to-door is not always the best or safest choice for everyone. This year the City of Bremerton is hosting an All-City Halloween Pumpkin Fest at the Sheridan Parks and Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Halloween evening. This event is free. These city-hosted events are always very safe and very family friendly. They are my personal recommendation for those with small children in tow.

For those who are a little more adventurous or have older more seasoned trick-or-treaters that require a little more scare to be impressed, then the Kitsap Haunted Fairgrounds is for you. Admission is $12 per person and runs Friday through Sunday. There is a “lights on” time between 5 and 6 p.m. for the younger crowd and the full on fright from 6 to 11 p.m.

If you are headed out to an adult Halloween party where you will be consuming alcohol, please do not drink and drive. Period. No exceptions. Have a designated driver on hand or take a cab. Party hosts, you are responsible for your guests. Make sure you have safe rides home available.

Whatever you decide to do individually or with your family, be warm and be safe. If you do decide to go door-to-door, please make sure that drivers and others can spot you in the dark with lights, glow in the dark items or reflectors. Travel in groups. Be respectful of homeowners by staying on sidewalks, paths or porches and keep your trick-or-treat times to a reasonable hour. If the lights are off, do not knock because that means trick or treat time is over for the particular household.

Happy Halloween, everyone!