But times have changed, and many parents worry over their children's safety and also the message they fear their children learn from Halloween. Fairmont United Methodist Church had planned a carnival until recent rains seeped into the building, canceling the Halloween alternative. The Rev. Norman Patton, pastor of the church, said the children just see Halloween as a chance to dress up and get some free candy, but they are vulnerable enough to be influenced by people who might do them harm. Even without Fairmont's carnival, plenty of others will be available, although not necessarily on Halloween night, which falls on Tuesday. Church members will park their cars on the lots and open the trunk.
Children can roam from one brightly decorated trunk to another, picking up handfuls of candy.
The response last year was terrific, so the churches decided to do it again. A praise band from First Christian will perform on the corner of North Fourth and Beech and face painting will be available. Youths from First Christian and First Central will distribute fliers in the neighborhood Saturday inviting residents to attend. Halloween dates back thousands of years and has taken on different meanings culminating with today's observance, which is a combination of many influences. The three-day festival included people parading in costumes made from the skins and heads of animals.