Atoka council sets trick-or-treat for Saturday before Oct. 31, authorizes city manager to pick contingency date

The Atoka City Council voted to observe trick-or-treating on the Saturday before Oct. 31 and gave the city manager authority to set a contingency date if severe weather forces a change.

Councilmembers said moving the community observance to the Saturday before Halloween makes planning easier for parents, school staff and churches and helps public-safety staffing. Several members noted the practical difficulties of midweek trick-or-treat schedules for teachers and essential workers and the benefits of a predictable weekend date for downtown and church-sponsored events.

Members debated how to handle years when weather forces a change. Some councilmembers favored authorizing the city manager to pick an alternate date, so staff can act quickly rather than calling a special meeting. City Manager Danny Daley said he would carry out the council's direction and acknowledged that any decision might not please everyone.

Councilmember comments referenced a prior review of the city ordinance and limits to what the city can compel; the council framed its action as a community recommendation rather than an enforceable prohibition. After discussion, a motion to observe trick-or-treat on the Saturday before Oct. 31, with the city manager authorized to select a contingency date for inclement weather, passed on a voice/roll-call vote, with members answering in the affirmative.

The council did not specify a binding backup date in the motion; instead it delegated authority to staff to make a timely call if conditions warrant a change.