Toms River Is Trick-Or-Treating On Halloween In 2021. Here's Why It's Unusual

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you're planning to take the kids trick-or-treating, Toms River will hold it on Halloween this year, township officials said.

Trick-or-treating is usually held on Oct. 30 in Toms River to avoid a conflict with the annual Toms River Halloween Parade. The parade has been held on Halloween nearly every time since it first started in 1919. As it grew in popularity — it attracts thousands of participants and spectators — trick-or-treating moved to Oct. 30. It is reported to be the second-largest in the world, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

When the parade became an annual affair — it was halted for a few years in the 1930s and again during World War II — Toms River Fire Company 1, which organizes and runs the parade, made an agreement with the churches in Toms River that it would not be held on Halloween when Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday.

That's the case for 2021, and the parade is scheduled for Oct. 30 as a result, with a rain date of Monday, Nov. 1. Read more: Toms River Halloween Parade Back For 2021, Fire Company Says

"With the Toms River Halloween Parade falling on a Saturday this year, children can participate in trick-or-treating on the usual day, October 31st this year," Mayor Maurice Hill said.

Those who plan to trick-or-treat are asked to wear a mask or face covering in accordance with CDC guidelines, practice social distancing, carry hand sanitizer, and be respectful of those who choose not to participate, the police department said.

Residents who do not want to participate are encouraged to turn off their front light, close their front door and/or place a sign in front of the home.

While Halloween is one of the most enjoyable times of the year for children, it also presents dangers if the proper precautions are not taken, Police Chief Mitch Little said.

"On October 31st, motorists should be aware and drive with extra caution," Little said. "We advise parents to accompany children, always carry a flashlight for safety, stay on sidewalks or as close to the curb as possible and only go to houses where the porch lights are on."

There is no official curfew in Toms River but Little said all trick-or-treaters will be asked to be off town streets by 9 p.m.

"As always please contact the Toms River Police Department if you see or hear any suspicious activity. Have a safe and Happy Halloween," he said.

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