Not letting neighbors hand out candy at Halloween

[Anonymous]

My parents have lived in a close in neighborhood for over 30 years. When we were kids and even after, my parents were heavily involved in the civic association, block parties, school events, and were always helping a hand. In the last few years they have been less involved but have always been "good neighbors." Last year, the people on their street decided they would have a joint trick or treating where kids cam to one central location to hand out treats. My parents have always enjoyed Halloween and seeing kids in their costumes. Last year the neighbors told kids not to go to any houses because candy was only available at one location. Some of the older kids came any way. My parents are not trying to be hostile but really would like to see the kids. My father is thinking of putting a sign in the lawn saying "treats are here."

They tried to explain to the organizing neighbor that they would like to have kids come to their house and were told "we are changing the rules and kids can't come to your house."

Any suggestions beyond the sign?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents have lived in a close in neighborhood for over 30 years. When we were kids and even after, my parents were heavily involved in the civic association, block parties, school events, and were always helping a hand. In the last few years they have been less involved but have always been "good neighbors." Last year, the people on their street decided they would have a joint trick or treating where kids cam to one central location to hand out treats. My parents have always enjoyed Halloween and seeing kids in their costumes. Last year the neighbors told kids not to go to any houses because candy was only available at one location. Some of the older kids came any way. My parents are not trying to be hostile but really would like to see the kids. My father is thinking of putting a sign in the lawn saying "treats are here."

They tried to explain to the organizing neighbor that they would like to have kids come to their house and were told "we are changing the rules and kids can't come to your house."

Any suggestions beyond the sign?

Suggestions besides moving away from these ridiculous power-hungry civic association people? I'm a pot stirrer so would post a sign that says "Trick or Treaters welcome here!" and post on the local listserve about it.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
Just have candy at your house in case someone comes

[Anonymous]

I’d go rogue, sit outside, and hand out candy to trick or treaters. The controlling neighbor situation is absurd. What even is the point of the central location for candy “distribution”?

[Anonymous]

Was there an HOA vote?

[Anonymous]

That’s kind of an obnoxious move by the neighbors, but not worth making a stink about IMO. I agree with PP, just have candy in case kids come.

[Anonymous]

You can't control other people's kids, but you can offer treats to anyone you want.

[Anonymous]

They should get full size candy bars and hang out on their front lawn. The kids will figure it out.

[Anonymous]

I would just continue to offer candy to the kids that show up. Neighbors can't stop me and I can't stop them from doing whatever they want.

[Anonymous]

Go volunteer at the distribution point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents have lived in a close in neighborhood for over 30 years. When we were kids and even after, my parents were heavily involved in the civic association, block parties, school events, and were always helping a hand. In the last few years they have been less involved but have always been "good neighbors." Last year, the people on their street decided they would have a joint trick or treating where kids cam to one central location to hand out treats. My parents have always enjoyed Halloween and seeing kids in their costumes. Last year the neighbors told kids not to go to any houses because candy was only available at one location. Some of the older kids came any way. My parents are not trying to be hostile but really would like to see the kids. My father is thinking of putting a sign in the lawn saying "treats are here."

They tried to explain to the organizing neighbor that they would like to have kids come to their house and were told "we are changing the rules and kids can't come to your house."

Any suggestions beyond the sign?

Lead paint really did a number on Boomers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They should get full size candy bars and hang out on their front lawn. The kids will figure it out.

+1.

I hate the central candy idea, it's not fun at all. My neighborhood set one up so that all the parents could sit in the common and drink and snack together while the kids ran around (but didn't ToT, because candy was out on a table). Such a bummer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should get full size candy bars and hang out on their front lawn. The kids will figure it out.

+1.

I hate the central candy idea, it's not fun at all. My neighborhood set one up so that all the parents could sit in the common and drink and snack together while the kids ran around (but didn't ToT, because candy was out on a table). Such a bummer.

yes this is why they do it - for the parents

[Anonymous]

I hate bossy neighborhood social engineers like this.

Are your parents disabled and unable to leave the house?

[Anonymous]

But... the entire point is to go door to door! Otherwise it's a boring candy grab at a boring table. Unless there are activities and events in the central square?

Anyway, unless this is the binding decision of an HOA or a temporary police order to keep the peace, a mere neighborhood association cannot forbid people going door to door on Halloween.

Your parents should speak up on the listserve and say that they are opposed to the central candy grab idea, and that any trick-or-treater who comes to their door will be given candy.

Neighborhood associations do these things because they believe people agree or will at least not disagree. The only way to counter bad ideas from that quarter is to speak up and encourage others to do so. Courteously, of course.