Detroit Putting Halloween Focus On Kids

halloweeninthed2018

The focus of a three-day Halloween period in Detroit is changing from anti-arson efforts to celebrations aimed at families. Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled plans for “Halloween in the D” yesterday.

“There’s got to be a point in which we have a generation of children who grow up and their memory is not of the yellow lights and patrols, but their memory is of going out to the park or the police precinct or haunted house to get the candy,” said Duggan.

Three parks and some city-owned houses will take on haunted themes. A harvest festival is planned downtown and recreation centers will host parties. The fun starts October 29. Detroit had a history of arson around Halloween, including more than 800 fires in 1984. But Devil’s Night was turned into Angels’ Night as volunteers, police and firefighters patrolled city streets to prevent arson. The city says there’s been an average of 50 fires over the three-day Halloween period, similar to any other three-day period.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.