(WWJ) Halloween is a celebration observed in many countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.
So, can Halloween just be pushed a day? Some may say no, but they're going ahead with it this year in one Michigan city.
The Marine City city commission decided to move trick-or-treating to Saturday, due to a big playoff football game at Marine City High School. The varsity team plays Clawson at 7 p.m. — which happens to be right during trick-or-treating hours.
City Manager Mike Reaves said this is not mandatory. Residents do have a choice, he said, and are absolutely welcome to hand out candy on Friday or both days if they wish.
That said, Marine City's official Halloween trick-or-treat hours are from 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Typically, trick-or-treating starts at 5 or 6 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. on the Halloween night, October 31].
In an interview with WWJ Newsradio 950's Taylor Dietz, Reaves explained the somewhat controversial decision to "move the date of Halloween," as he described it.
"Marine City's a big football town; especially local high school football. Big supporters," Reaves said.
"Obviously, this isn't a mandate," he said. "But it gives people the opportunity to both trick-or-treat one day, or both days, or attend the football game and then enjoy the next night with the kids that could've went trick-or-treating but were involved int the football game."
Reaves said this has been done in Marine City before, when the high school football team made it do the state playoffs.
"They're very supportive of the local high school, you'll see," he reiterated. "It's like a Friday Night Lights event; the whole town turns out for these events, to cheer on their local team."
Reaction in Marine City has been somewhat mixed, although many residents do seem to be OK with it. Commenting on a community Facebook page, Robinson Nicole wrote: "We are planning to buy candy at 50% off and passing out on Saturday. Trick or treating with friends in another town on Friday."
Crystal Smith said: "I can remember in 1997 MC held Halloween on Saturday because of the football game Friday night. Whole town has Friday night football fever; it's wonderful small town vibes!!!!"
Larry Quincy Jones remarked, however: "Handing out candy on Friday. Can’t afford both days."
LC Sinclair commented simply: "Nope. We're handing out candy and doing Halloween on Halloween."
Marine City is located in St. Clair County, along the St. Clair River, in the southeast corner of Michigan's Thumb.