WORCESTER, Mass. - A popular Halloween Tradition in Worcester’s Union Hill neighborhood is back, after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Worcester Police officer Sean Lovely is filling up a truck with hundreds of bags of Halloween candy.
“The last thing I want to have is a child feel that they’ve missed out, in all reality, on a child’s holiday," Officer Lovely said. "I just want to make sure that they experience the Halloween that I did so many years ago."
Officer Lovely helps organize Hill-O-Ween on Union Hill. Dozens of people donate candy to help make the event possible. Lovely says he’s expecting about 5,000 kids from the neighborhood and other parts of the city to show up.
“We take the guess work out of Halloween," Lovely said. "I just hope that this provides a safe outlet for families, if they are wondering where to bring your children now a days."
Worcester Police are helping direct traffic at the event, but Lovely says no matter where you go trick-or-treating, it’s important to walk in pairs, go with an adult if possible, carry your cell phone and wear reflective clothing.
And if you’re driving on Halloween, AAA Northeast says it’s important to drive sober and buckle up.
“Our best advice to drivers is to slow down, so important watch for trick or treaters, scan the road, you’re looking for any children or their parents who may cross between cars or between blocks and slowing down and scanning the road could save a life," Mary Maguire, Massachusetts spokesperson for AAA Northeast, said.
Lovely says if your children go out in a neighborhood, it's a good idea to check their candy before they eat it.
"When in doubt throw it out," Lovely said.
Hill-O-Ween will go from 5 p.m. to 7:30 pm on Sunday at 121 Providence Street.