Deerfield Area Trick-Or-Treat Hours Unchanged Despite Snow

DEERFIELD, IL — Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods are not switching their trick-or-treat hours on Halloween due to a 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."

More: Vernon Hills Postpones Trick or Treating Due to Winter Weather

"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," Winnetka Police Chief Marc Hornstein said in a statement. "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."

More: Winnetka Postpones Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Due To Weather

In Deerfield, Bannockburn and Riverwoods, official trick-or-treat hours will remain unchanged, according to village staff. Neighborhood tick-or-treating runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m., regardless of weather. Homes welcoming children were asked to leave on their porch or exterior lights, and drivers were reminded to watch out for costumed children.

Bannockburn's Halloween Haunted Trail behind Village Hall runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and will go ahead despite the snow, according to village staff.

After the holiday, the Deerfield Police Department will collect leftover candy from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8 in a donation box open 24-hours-a-day at the police station. Candy will be distributed to such local charitable organizations as Operation North Pole, NICASA, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, The Veteran's Closet and North Chicago Community Partners.

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