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GRAYSON COUNTY, TX -- Thousands of kids across Texoma put on their costumes and head out to trick-or-treat. But while they're looking for a good scare, there are lots of real dangers to worry about.
While trick or treaters look forward to Halloween night, sending kids out on their own can be a nightmare for parents.
That's why so many families went out to the Fright Fest in Sherman, to give their little munchkins a safe place to enjoy a good scare.
Goblins, ghouls, ghosts can be scary. But a recent study by Sperling's Best Places is truly frightening. It shows that over the past 21 Halloween nights, 115 children were hit and killed by cars. That's about 6 kids each Halloween, nationwide, three more than any normal day.
"We're really careful," said Andrea Smith, mother.
Andrea Smith says she knows trick or treating on city streets can be dangerous, but those statistics shocked her.
"What ends up happening is the parents are more obviously looking out for their kids -- which is a good thing -- but they're not paying attention to the road as much. We definitely don't need people on cell phones and trying to text, and Facebook," said Sergeant D.M. Hampton, with the Sherman Police Department.
One thing that many trick-or-treaters can do to to stay safe, is to go to a community run event.
From Sherman's Fright Fest...to Denison's Monsters on Main. Many Texoma communities host festivals for Halloween, offering safer alternatives for children to get that sweet treat.
"We always want the children to be as safe as possible. And we want to provide that environment for them. We block the streets off so there's no vehicular traffic in that area and that just increases the safety factor," said Donna Dow, Denison Main Street Director.
If you do choose to go the traditional route and knock on doors for candy. There are some sweet tips to keep your children safe while they run around.
"The type of costumes that we're talking about now a days. They're more darker colors, they're wearing masks, their vision and hearing may be slightly impaired, so anything to help motorists be aware that somebody may be crossing the street would help," said Sergeant Hampton.
Advice Smith says she always follows to keep her little cowboy safe.
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
Posted: 05/06/13 - SHERMAN, TEXAS—Members of the Austin College Class of 2013 are counting down the days until graduation—with both excitement and trepidation. Austin College President Marjorie Hass will present diplomas to more than 340 bachelor’s degree candidates and 18 Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates who will take part in graduation events May 18 and 19 on campus. Read More
