The Community Calendar for Allen is full of plenty of things to do over the next week.

Things kick-off this Saturday with the fun-filled Arbor Day Celebration at Bethany Lakes Park, the Medication Take Back with two drive through locations, and Saturday Night Rec'N'Roll at Joe Farmer Recreation Center.

Saturday and Sunday feature historical activities honoring the 150th anniversary of the "War Between the States" at Allen Heritage Village. The last of the Creature Feature movies is on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Allen Public Library. Then on Wednesday, Oct. 30, the annual Rancher's Reserve Longhorn Cattle Drive winds through the streets of Allen which means The Tom Thumb Texas Stampede is almost here!

Friday, Nov. 1, is the opening for another show by Allen's Community Theatre with Gladys in Wonderland by Rosemary Frisino Toohey. Saturday morning, Nov. 2 is Allen Recycles Day in the Allen City Hall parking lot. Then, that evening, the Allen Symphony Chorus celebrates the music of Americana with a special concert.

Whew! These are just a few of the events and activities listed in our Community Calendar! Make sure to sign-up at  CityOfAllen.org/NotifyMe to receive email notifications when new events are added. And don't forget to let us know what your community organization has planned for the general public to attend.

  As Halloween approaches on Thursday, October 31, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• All children should be under direct adult supervision during trick or treating. Cross streets at crosswalks with great caution.  
•  Walking on dark streets can be dangerous. Give your child a flashlight or light stick to carry.  
• If you buy a costume, read the box or label. Look for the words "flame retardant" or "flame resistant". These costumes are more fire-safe.
• Do not use candles to decorate porches to prevent costumes from catching fire. Light jack-o-lanterns with small flashlights instead of candles.  
• Check all treats to make certain no product tampering is evident.
• Additional Allen Police officers as well as Citizens on Patrol volunteers will be out patrolling neighborhoods. Please report suspicious activity to Non-Emergency Dispatch at 214.509.4321. Residents can also send an anonymous tip via text message to Allen Police by simply texting the keyword ALLENPD followed by your tip to 847411. 

All members of the Allen Police Department and Allen Fire Department urge parents to ensure safety for all children during trick or treating activities.  

 

As a reminder, the City of Allen has no ordinance in place nor does it regulate when residents choose to celebrate Halloween with traditional trick-or-treating activities. The City does recommend checking with your home owners association if you are unsure about your neighborhood.