Yonkers on All Hallow’s Eve

Tomorrow is Halloween, time for Tricks and/or Treats.

This is the first time that either Stephanie and I have had a house that might be trick or treated. And truth be told, we are a little nervous about the possibility of mischief running rampant at our house– we were expecting to go to a couple of friends houses and be there.

One of our dear friends lives in Sleepy Hollow, home of the Headless Horseman and a big celebrant with tons of kids and costumes and candy. We’ve been there in the past and its always a lot of fun.
Another friend lives in Park Hill in the nice section of Park Hill– those friends do it up big– their child who is around 10 doesn’t like to trick or treat, but prefers to stay at home and add to the festivities. This year, she’ll be Little Red Riding Hood, luring children up the stairs to the house, where they’ll be alternately scared by her Dad (Dressed as the Big Bad Wolf) and Given candy by her Mom (dressed as the Grandmother) I was over at their house on Saturday, and they were doing up the preparations something fierce. Anyway, we were hoping to hang out with them instead of in our house.

We did buy candy, and I will give out trick or treat stuff to the kids who do early stuff– but I think we’ll risk it and go away and see what happens. Shut off the lights, put up a sign that says “Sorry, out of Candy”, Hire a sniper to paintball kids who seem like they might have eggs in their pockets– you know, the usual!

Maybe next year will be more of a Yonked Halloween.

It turns out that we are right to fear retribution– apparently Yonkers imposes a pretty strict curfew on Halloween.

Here are the age breakdowns and times (courtesy of the Journal News) Fortunately, I look older than 16!)

11-year-olds and under must be off the streets after 10 p.m.

12- and 13-year-olds must be off the streets by 10:30 p.m.

14- to 16-year-olds must be in their homes after 11 p.m.

The curfew lasts until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Violators will taken to the nearest police precinct and their parents or guardians called.

The only exceptions are the following:

If they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If they are on an errand with parental permission with prior notice to Police Community Affairs Division (914-377-7375).

Up to one half hour after the end of school, religious, volunteer, public entertainment event, no later than 12:30 a.m., unless police are notified by the host organization 24 hours in advance.

A half hour after work with proof from employer.

Youngsters are not subject to curfew if they are on or immediately next to their homes and if next door neighbors do not object.

“Shields up, Mr. Sulu!”