* disclaimer: i'm long-winded today, there's no one in my office to talk to*
T-or-T isn't illegal here (MD), but i remember back in the 90's there was concern about someone contaminating the kid's treats. I think this prompted a lot of alternative activities like getting treats in the mall or going to a youth center or something for haunted house and they give you candy at the end.
When i was small, we lived overseas (i'm an Army brat) so i went T- or T-ing *unaccompanied by adults* on base. Very fun! Then, after moving to Maryland, My church started offering "HOLY-ween" for the kids to come out and have a good time. Costumes were of Biblical or Black history figures. When i was 10 years old I thought it was the LAMEST thing in the world! I wanted to go T-or-T with my friends or at least stay home and watch the Charlie Brown "Great Pumpkin" episode. But, now that i'm grown and i think about things from an adult's perspective, these alternate events seem like a great idea.
So, i hope something can be done for the children in Arkansas, even if it's a costume parade or the excange candy treats (kinda like valentine's day) in school. Even though the history or meaning behind halloween isn't something I personally celebrate, i think all kids deserve a day to party and EAT CANDY.
