(Oct. 26, 2017) Ocean Pines Police are offering Halloween safety tips in an effort to minimize scares and maximize fun during a holiday that can serve up plenty of frights for parents and drivers in residential areas.

Trick-or-treating is not prohibited in Ocean Pines, but police urged parents to use discretion. The community lacks sidewalks and street lights, making for hazardous conditions for trick-or-treaters.

“Pedestrian safety is a top concern, which is why we ask families to not trick-or-treat in Ocean Pines,” Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer said. “But for those who choose to trick-or-treat, police caution parents to avoid traveling along Ocean Parkway, which is a stretch of busy roadway.”

Drivers should also be careful during the pedestrian-heavy holiday. Police encouraged drivers in Ocean Pines to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully. Eliminate any distractions inside the car and concentrate on the road and surroundings.

Police urged parents to look for safe trick-or-treating alternatives.

The annual Ocean Pines’ Halloween/Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m., is an alternative to trick-or-treating. The festival will feature plenty of Halloween candy, costume contests, carnival games, face painting, pony rides, a haunted hayride, moon bounce, crafts, refreshments for sale and more. Admission is free and open to the public. There will be a fee for some attractions.

Volunteers and candy donations are needed for the day-of special activities. Contact the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 for more information.