On Oct. 11, the Fort Oglethorpe City Council officially designated Oct. 30 as the observance of Halloween in the city instead of Sunday, Oct. 31.
Fort Oglethorpe Councilwoman Jane Moye said the move is appropriate, in part because Chattanooga is also celebrating on Saturday.
“I thought it was a good idea to do that because the kids have to go to school and people have to work on Monday,” she said. “It also seemed like a better time with people going to church (on Sunday evening).”
Without voting on a resolution, Catoosa County commissioners are encouraging residents to take their children out for Halloween activities on Saturday, adding that residents should not forget to attend the county fair.
“Because Fort Oglethorpe wants to (observe Halloween) on a Saturday, we thought if we did it too it would save two trick or treats,” Byrd said.
Ringgold City Council has taken no official action on moving the holiday, but City Manager Dan Wright said that celebrating Halloween on Saturday when it falls on a Sunday is "pretty much customary."
I think that's what most people do today," he said.
Tunnel Hill resident Misty Potter said she might take her two daughters, Brady, 3, and Sydney, 1, to trick or treat in both Catoosa and Hamilton counties.
The Chattanooga City Council passed a resolution Oct. 5 encouraging residents to celebrate on Saturday, but Hamilton County commissioners have yet to pass a similar resolution.
“It will be very confusing unless it’s heavily publicized,” Potter said. “I understand the reasoning to not have it on a school night, but Halloween falls on a school night most of the time.
“I also understand that Halloween is an old Pagan holiday and some may not want to celebrate it on a day of Christian worship,” she said. “I can see how that could rub people the wrong way.”
Catoosa School Superintendent Beth Kellerhals said the school system does not have an official position on moving the holiday celebration.
Jack Smith, minister of education and administration at First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe, said church services will be cancelled Sunday night, Oct. 31, because the church is holding a fall festival that will last from about 12:15-3 p.m. that day.
He said the church also has no official stance on moving trick or treating to Saturday. Smith added that he thinks Saturday is a better night to celebrate the holiday.
“There are some people definitely against Halloween, but for me it’s just always been spooky and a fantasy thing,” he said.
For those parents looking for some Halloween fun for their kids on the official Halloween date, they can attend Gallopin’ Goblins at the Colonnade Oct. 31, sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Catoosa and Catoosa Family Collaborative. The free event, which lasts from 4-6 p.m., is touted as an alternative to trick or treating and features goodies and food from area businesses and organizations.
Sunday morning, Oct. 31, at 2 a.m. also marks the beginning of daylight saving time where clocks will be set back one hour
The City of Chattanooga is not changing the date of Halloween and has never suggested doing so. Regardless of which day you choose to Trick-or-Treat, just be safe and enjoy!
Richard J. Beeland, Media Relations Director