CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Families across Champaign, Urbana, and Champaign County can plan their Halloween festivities with certainty this year, as official trick-or-treat hours have been set for Friday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The times follow the Champaign County Board’s established guidelines, which both the City of Champaign and City of Urbana traditionally observe. The rules dictate that trick-or-treating always occurs on October 31, regardless of the day of the week.

This year, because Halloween falls on a weekday (Friday), the hours will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. If Halloween were on a weekend, the timeframe would shift to 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to use porch lights to indicate participation and to practice safety during the evening. Local law enforcement agencies will have increased patrols to help ensure a safe environment for trick-or-treaters of all ages.