Sandy scares off Halloween

Officials from Ledyard, East Lyme, Groton and Stonington have asked parents not to allow their children to go trick-or-treating for Halloween tonight.

Downed wires and trees on neighborhood roads pose a hazard to trick-or-treaters, said Ledyard Mayoral Assistant Mark Bancroft, and the town is asking that residents' Halloween festivities be postponed until Nov. 5.

Stonington First Selectman Ed Haberek suggested residents celebrate Halloween on Nov. 16.

New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio recommended on his Facebook page that parents accompany their children if they do decide to venture out and that they do not trick-or-treat at houses without power.

Groton town police said while conditions are improving, utility tree and power line crews are currently working in the restoration of power, clearing of roads and elimination of identified potential hazards. Parents are urged to take advantage of sponsored events.

The Mystic YMCA has canceled its Halloween parade. The event has been postponed to a future date yet to be determined.

With 85 percent of the town still without power, Sprague has canceled its annual Halloween parade and party at the Town Hall and Baltic Fire Department.

The costumed parade, games and contests, sponsored by the Baltic Fire Department now will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall and progressing to the Baltic Fire Department.

But the Halloween spirit is not entirely dead. Mystic Aquarium will offer free admission from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today and have a trick-or-treating event around its exhibits because of the post-storm situation in Stonington.

And the annual Quaker Hill Fire Co.'s community Halloween party will still be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 17 Old Colchester Road, with a costume contest, raffle, face painting, free candy and pizza.