CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Service members, civilian employees and family members stationed on Okinawa have always found a way to enjoy time-honored American holiday traditions despite their relative distance from U.S. soil. The days of festivities and remembrance have served to provide a cultural link back to the states, reminding everyone they are not so distant after all.

Halloween will be no different this year, with numerous events and trick-or-treating times scheduled for those interested in celebrating the holiday. The most famous Halloween tradition, trick-or-treating, is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31 at family housing areas throughout Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

It is important for revelers to remember they need to take all of the same precautions they would if they were celebrating stateside.

“The most important thing for service members partaking in Halloween events is to have a plan,” said Daryl E. Avery, the supervisory safety and occupational specialist with the Marine Corps Installations Pacific installation safety office. “For example, if they’re attending a party and will be consuming alcoholic beverages, they need to have a plan to get home that does not include operating any type of motor vehicle.”

With simple safety procedures kept in mind throughout October,
participants in Halloween festivities will be able to celebrate and enjoy the holiday without any problems.

Halloween events

Camp Foster
7th Annual Fright Night: Oct. 26-27 6-10 p.m. at building 5965, near Gunners Fitness Center
Trunk-or-Treat: Oct. 26 6-8 p.m. near Gunners Fitness Center
Halloween Bash 2012: Oct. 27, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Ocean Breeze enlisted club
Halloween Family Fun Night: Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m. at the Ocean Breeze
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Camp Hansen
A Countrified Halloween Monster Bash: Oct. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight at The Palms enlisted club
USO Children’s Halloween Party: Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m. at the Camp Hansen USO
USO/Single Marine Program Halloween Party: Oct. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight at the Camp Hansen USO

Camp Courtney
Halloween Family Night: Oct. 25, 5-9 p.m. at Tengan Castle
Halloween Masquerade Party: Oct. 26, 6-11 p.m. at Legends officer’s club
Hashmarks Rockin’ Halloween Party: Oct. 26, 6-11 p.m. at Hashmarks SNCO club
4th Annual Halloween Bash: Oct. 27, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Bayview enlisted club
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Camp McTureous
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Camp Lester
Halloween Bash 2012: Oct. 27, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Corpsman’s cove
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Camp Kinser
Halloween Party: Oct. 27, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Harbor Lounge
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Camp Schwab
USO Halloween Party: Oct. 31, 6 p.m. to midnight at Camp Schwab USO

MCAS Futenma
Halloween Horrors Party: Oct. 27, 6 p.m. to midnight at Thirsty’s enlisted club
Halloween Party: Oct. 31, 6-11 p.m. at Habu Pit SNCO Club

Kadena Air Base
Halloween Dance Party: Oct. 27, starting at 10 p.m. at the Rocker NCO Club
Trick-or-treating: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. at family housing area

Mihama American Village
Annual Halloween Costume Contest: Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. near the ferris wheel in the Mihama District


Tips for a safe Halloween

- Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Examine treats for choking hazards or tampering.

- Hold a flashlight for visibility of yourself and others. Walk, don’t run, from house to house.
- Always test makeup in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent irritation.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- Only walk on sidewalks or the far edge of the road facing traffic if no sidewalks are available.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
- Eat only factory-sealed treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
- Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
- Never walk near lit candles or open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Source: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention