Halloween has changed as a holiday over the decades.

Where once you would see hordes of children — sometimes even without adult supervision — roaming the streets and going house to house seeking treats, the streets are not that busy any more.

This is, overall, a good thing.

Now most parents take their children to more organized events, many of them held at churches, merchants or schools.

That way not only do the children get to interact with others, but they are ensured a safe and supportive place to have fun. That's what Halloween should be all about, anyway, just having fun.

That does not mean there will not be children out, however, and Marshall has some streets that are dark. You should take extra care Saturday while driving to make certain you keep an eye out for those trick-or-treaters.

Mostly, these days, parents accompany their children on the candy-seeking rounds, but this is not always the case. For that matter, it is not always the case that even if parents go with their children they are always completely in control of the situation.

Anyone who has had children knows they can slip away from your grasp before you know it.

It has been some years since we have had a serious safety problem on Halloween and we don't want to break that streak. Keep a watch out.

Also keep a watch-out for those who might be tempted to break the law that night. Since Halloween comes on Saturday this year, the opportunity for mischief will probably be greater. Don't call the police needlessly, but call them if you see a crime. They will want to know.