Trick-or-Treat Hours Remain Unchanged In Lake Forest, Lake Bluff

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL — Officials in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff have not adjusted trick-or-treat hours on Halloween despite Thursday's winter storm. Two other northern suburbs, Vernon Hills and Winnetka, announced the postponement of recommended trick-or-treating in town until Saturday due to freezing temperatures and wintry weather.

"This decision was not made lightly, because we understand some residents may be disappointed or inconvenienced," Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis said in a release Wednesday. "With an increased amount of children out in neighborhoods trick-or-treating during the evening rush hour, a mix of wintry weather could unnecessarily put those looking to enjoy the holiday in harm'sway. The safety of everyone involved is our highest priority."

Winnetka Police Chief Marc Hornstein echoed Kreis' remarks.

"Our primary concern is the safety of our young trick or treaters. Inclement weather, combined with young children crossing the street where visibility is reduced, increases the risk of pedestrian accidents," Hornstein told Patch in a statement Wednesday. "While I can appreciate the tradition of trick or treating specifically on October 31st, I am more concerned about our children going out in unsafe conditions when we have a reasonable alternative and the ability to reduce the possibility of an accident."

Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O'Hara, a retired middle school principal, said the village would not be postponing its trick-or-treat hours.

"Back in my day, I had to walk fifteen miles to trick-or-treat in the snow! Barefoot! Uphill! Both ways!" O'Hara said in a release. "Our kids are avid walkers in the cold and will still be enjoying themselves in the streets [Thursday] night."

Related:
Lake Bluff Will Not Compromise On Trick-Or-Treat
Winnetka Postpones Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Due To Weather
Vernon Hills Postpones Trick or Treating Due to Winter Weather

In Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, official trick-or-treat hours will remain unchanged, according to staff in both towns. Neighborhood tick-or-treating runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lake Forest and 4 to 7 p.m. in Lake Bluff, despite ongoing snow removal operations as the system's heaviest snow works its way through the Chicago area.

In Lake Bluff, police are holding their 31st annual trick-or-treat and hot dog roast at the station.

"If the youths (sic) are feeling chilly tomorrow night, they are always welcome to get a free hot dog from the Lake Bluff Police Department," said Mike Hosking, Lake Bluff police chief. "Our annual hot dog roast is a rain, sleet, snow, or shine event."

Indoor trick-or-treating is taking place at local shopping centers such as Northbrook Court and Hawthorn Mall. Homes welcoming children have been asked to leave on their porch or exterior lights, and drivers were reminded to watch out for costumed children.

Up to five inches of snow is in the forecast for the Chicago area.