If one Connecticut lawmaker has his way, Halloween might get a little more random.
State Rep. Tim Larson is proposing that the Connecticut legislature permanently designate the last Saturday in October as Halloween. He says it would make the holiday less difficult for working parents, safer for trick-or-treaters and a boost to the economy as well.
“Halloween is fun night for the whole family, but not so much when you have to race home from work, get the kids ready for trick-or-treating, welcome the neighborhood children, and then try to get everyone to bed for an early school and work morning,” Larson said in a statement outlining his proposal.
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But the proposal has met resistance from Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “The Governor is worried about confusing the ghosts, goblins, and witches — so he thinks leaving Halloween on Oct. 31st is the right thing to do,” his press secretary Juliet Manalan told The Hartford Courant. “No disrespect intended toward Rep. Larson, of course.”
For his part, Larson recognizes that his idea is a long shot, and likely not a priority given the economic situation. “It’s kind of a whimsical idea, but it’s smart from a common-sense safety perspective,” Larson said, explaining that celebrating Halloween on a Saturday would allow for earlier trick-or-treating when there’s still a bit of daylight left.
Americans spend $7 billion annually on Halloween-related merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation. The recession has not hampered this trend, either.
Halloween isn’t an official state holiday, but Larson compares his proposal to the government proclamation that Thanksgiving be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.
“This would be good for the economy and make Halloween a more family-friendly event every year,” he said in the statement. “Everyone looks forward to Halloween a little more when it falls on the weekend.”