Great reminders courtesy of our friend Josh at ResourcesUnite of Dubuque


Staying safe and respectful this Halloween

Halloween festivities, specifically trick-or-treating, has its origins medieval Europe, where people would go to door steps to ask for small cakes, and in exchange would offer prayers for the souls of the deceased, or put on a small theatrical performance. It has been practiced in the United States since the 20s, and since then Halloween has been an important American tradition. Here are some tips to stay safe and respectful this Halloween.

1. Check your kid's candy before they eat it- tampering with Halloween candy is exceptionally rare, but it is always best to say on the safe side. Don't eat anything that isn't prewrapped.

2. Look both ways before crossing the street.

3. Never travel alone

4. Stay well lit

5. Make sure costumes aren't too long to avoid a potential tripping hazard

For the grownups, here are some costume tips for a respectful halloween

1. Avoid blackface, yellowface, brownface, red face and any makeup to make you look like someone of a different race. It's offensive and has a long, racist history.

2. Be careful with costumes of other cultures. Native American headresses, hijabs, turbans, should be avoided. Stay away from stereotypes.

3. Mocking public figures like politicians or celebrities is fine, just not because of their race, gender, or ethnicity.

4. Don't make light of tragedies- 9/11, the Holocaust, etc. are all off limits.

5. Be aware of your environment, an office costume party is different than a college frat party.

6. No need to sexualize things that really shouldn't be sexualized.

With these tips in mind, you can have a safe and respectful Halloween. Here are some upcoming events you can enjoy with your family:

  • Trick or Treat: Dubuque Farmer's Market, Saturday Oct. 28 from 9AM-11AM
  • Dia de los Muertos: Multicultural Family Center, Saturday Oct. 28, 10AM-noon
  • Trick-or Treat Spooktacular:  Diamond Jo Casino, Sunday, Oct. 29, 10AM-3PM
  • Mad Scientist Party and Trick-or Treat Event: Mississippi River Museum, Sunday, Oct. 29, 4PM-6PM
  • YMCA Halloween Parade: Main St. in downtown Dubuque, Sunday, Oct. 29, 6:30 PM