Schenectady firehouses will hold trick-or-treating events on Halloween

SCHENECTADY — Ghouls and goblins will take to the streets of Schenectady Thursday afternoon and evening, and trick-or-treating will be allowed from 3 to 8 p.m.

The municipality encourages children to wear bright costumes to make it easier for passing vehicles to see them, and asks adults to accompany them along the way.

The city will also host trick-or-treating events at all four city firehouses. Firefighters at Veeder Avenue, State Street, Third Avenue and Avenue A stations will hand out candy to city children Thursday night, as well as provide printed fire safety tips.

Firehouse Halloween events will take place from 4 to 8 p.m.

Originally designed as a safe place for trick-or-treaters to gather if they encountered any danger on Halloween night, the fire program has expanded to become a place where kids can stop to fill their candy bags with more.

“It was originally developed for kids and families to have a safe space when they go trick-or-treating, and if they have to for any reason, they can come to one of the firehouses and it’s a safe space,” said the Fire Chief. Donald Mareno said Wednesday. “It has now become a safe area for trick-or-treating. You can come here and know you will be welcome. “We welcome everyone from the community here.”

The city recommends trick-or-treaters travel to well-lit areas on Halloween night and inspect their candy before consuming it.