Let's Have Halloween on Saturdays

One state lawmaker wants to boost the economy and help out harried parents by legislating that Halloween always falls on a Saturday, the Hartford Courant reports. Connecticut Rep. Tim Larson says having Halloween on the last Saturday in October would also be safer for trick-or-treaters because parents could start earlier in the day. "It's kind of a whimsical idea," he admits, "but it's smart from a common-sense safety perspective."

The governor's office didn't bite, however: "The governor is worried about confusing the ghosts, goblins, and witches—so he thinks leaving Halloween on Oct. 31st is the right thing to do," said a rep for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. One Republican state senator even blasted Larson for wanting to involve government in the private sector. But Larson says his idea would lead to more Halloween celebrations and more spending, while helping neighbors to "get out to see each other ... it's the small things that start sending a good vibe." (More Halloween stories.)