Methuen’s littlest gobblins will have to wait a few more days for the Halloween candy grab, as Mayor James P. Jajuga has postponed the holiday hunt from Thursday until Saturday, Nov. 2 due to an increased threat of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) from mosquito exposure and the forecast of inclement weather.
Based on the forecast for Oct. 31, Jajuga has changed the trick or treat time to Saturday from 4-6 p.m., the mayor’s office said Wednesday.
“As with the original decision to modify the Halloween hours due to the ongoing threat of EEE from mosquito exposure, the health and safety of Methuen’s children always comes first,” Jajuga said in a statement.
The risk of EEE is reduced after the area’s first hard frost, which Methuen has yet to experience. In the meantime, residents are advised to wear long-sleeve clothing and use bug spray outdoors to avoid exposure.