In the quaint city of New Bathurst, located in New Brunswick, Canada, Halloween is no laughing matter. The local city council took a bold step on October 3rd, implementing a regulation that prohibits anyone over the age of 16 from participating in trick-or-treating activities. Additionally, a curfew has been set for 8 p.m. on Halloween night. To accompany these new rules, the council has adopted the rather somber slogan: “New Bathurst: What’s so funny?”
As reported by local news sources, this new ordinance imposes a $200 fine for any trick-or-treaters over the age limit, as well as for those who dare to wear a facial disguise after curfew. For those who might think this is overly stringent, it’s worth noting that these rules are actually a step back from previous ordinances that banned trick-or-treating for anyone over 14 and required a curfew of 7 p.m. Yes, you read that correctly.
Deputy Mayor Sarah Turner has been vocal about her desire to amend these laws, yet her pleas have been met with resistance from a rather stern council. “It’s absurd,” Turner remarked. “If a kid knocks on my door at 8:30 p.m., I’m not going to turn them away.” However, it seems she may soon find herself besieged by a group of self-appointed Halloween enforcers eager to report any perceived infractions.
Additionally, New Bathurst has established that Halloween must be celebrated exclusively on the 31st, directly opposing other communities that have opted to shift festivities to the 30th when October 31st falls on a Sunday. Clearly, this city council is serious about maintaining Halloween traditions, even if it means imposing legal penalties.
City spokesperson Mark Johnson shared that these regulations were initially enacted in response to concerns from residents about “troublesome behavior” during Halloween. Interestingly, the demographic data shows that nearly half of New Bathurst’s population is aged 55 or older, which might provide some insight into the council’s approach.
Deputy Mayor Turner also highlighted a potential flaw in the age limit regulations, noting, “Some teenagers are quite tall. For example, my neighbor’s son is 5’5” and 15; are we expected to ask him for ID?” It seems that while these rules may be designed to ensure a peaceful Halloween, they might also lead to some awkward situations.
Halloween is meant to be a light-hearted celebration where children can enjoy dressing up and collecting candy. While it can be an annoyance when an older teen shows up at your door without a costume, homeowners have the option to simply turn off their porch lights after curfew or choose not to answer the door. Adults have the ability to make choices that align with their views on Halloween without imposing rigid laws.
By fostering an environment where children can enjoy being kids, the community can embrace the joy of the holiday. After all, letting kids enjoy Halloween without excessive restrictions not only promotes fun but might also reduce the likelihood of finding toilet paper in your trees come November 1st.
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In summary, New Bathurst’s strict rules for Halloween trick-or-treating have sparked controversy and debate within the community. While the intention may be to maintain order, the impact on the spirit of the holiday is certainly up for discussion.