The Ottumwa Police Department has announced that Trick-or-Treat Night in Ottumwa will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The department is reminding families to take safety precautions while participating. If a trick-or-treater or homeowner is feeling ill, they are encouraged to stay home and not participate.
Parents are encouraged to:
- Dress children in reflective clothing.
- Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats instead of masks that can limit or block vision.
- Plan and review routes and neighborhoods with children ahead of time.
- Set a specific time for children to return home.
- Have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
Homeowners are also encouraged to remove tripping hazards from porches and walkways. Battery-powered jack-o’-lantern lights are recommended instead of candles or other open flames. If real candles are used, pumpkins should be kept away from trick-or-treaters and flammable decorations.
Children should not eat any treats until an adult has thoroughly checked them. Trick-or-treaters should also:
- Tell parents where they are going.
- Visit only homes with their porch lights on.
- Stay on well-lit streets.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Follow traffic and pedestrian laws.
- Never assume they have the right of way, as motorists may have difficulty seeing them.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and watch carefully for children, especially those who may unexpectedly run into the street.
Source: Ottumwa Police Department.
