Why does the Town/Select Board set the date/time for Trick-or-Treating? (10/12/2021)
Local government setting rules for trick-or-treating is generally unique to New England. The trend of separating trick-or-treating from the October 31st Halloween holiday started in the 1930’s to combat vandalism and property damage. In some cases, the night of trick-or-treating is called Beggars’ Night. Specifically, RSA 41:11 in conjunction with RSA 47:14, VII allows municipalities to regulate the use of public roads “to prohibit the rolling of hoops, playing at ball or flying of kites, or any other amusement or practice having a tendency to annoy persons passing in the streets and sidewalks, or to frighten teams of horses within the same.” Barrington has historically adopted (through its Select Board) October 30th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm as trick-or-treat. In October of 2015 and September of 2020 the Select Board reaffirmed the selection of October 30th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, Contact Us. (Source: NHMA)
*Note: In 2024, the Select Board delegated the decision to the kids through Barrington Kids Vote! See www.barrington.nh.gov/kidsvote.