Get those costumes ready — trick or treat in Manchester and Lakehurst is about a week away.

Both municipalities have set Halloween day, Wednesday, Oct. 31, for the annual candy collection exercise. In Manchester, children can visit homes from noon to 9 p.m. In Lakehurst, a 9 p.m. curfew will be enforced for children under 16 years old, and a 10 p.m. curfew is in place for those ages 16 to 18.

Lakehurst will host a Halloween dance on Friday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. for children in grades 6 through 8 — permission slips should have arrived home with students, according to Mayor Harry Robbins. A Halloween parade through the borough will congregate at the U.S. Post Office on Union Avenue at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. The march will conclude at Lake Horicon for costume judging.

While celebrating Halloween, Manchester police advise parents to ensure that their children wear costumes that are "bright and reflective," are the proper size to avoid tripping and do not obstruct vision, among other precautions:

• Children 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
• Plan your route and share it with family members.
• Carry a flashlight so you can be seen by others.
• If possible, stay in groups and walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, use the farthest edge of the roadway.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and try to cross only at corners. Do not hide or cross between parked cars.
• Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods and at homes that have a porch light on.
• Never enter a strange car or home to accept a treat. Be cautious of animals and strangers.
• Never eat unwrapped foods items or open beverages. Have an adult inspect treats before eating.
• Notify police immediately of any sign of suspicious or illegal activity.

Don't forget to enter your costume in Patch's Halloween contest for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize. Details are available here.