Gimme some candy

It’s never too early to start celebrating Halloween (i.e., collecting as many sugary treats as possible). In previous years, kids had only one night to gather enough mini candy bars, Tootsie Pops and orange wax-paper-wrapped taffy to last until candy-cane season began. (Why aren’t there any Thanksgiving candies? Why?)

These days, a determined child with a good costume can spread out the trick-or-treating process over several days, thereby ensuring maximum candy income. Enterprising youngsters should begin this Saturday at 11 a.m. with Safetyville’s annual Halloween Haunt. The miniature village will be decked out in the cobwebs and bat wings of the season, with fortune tellers, magicians, music, games and costumed characters to round out the scene. Admission is $5 and includes five tickets good for games or refreshments. The haunt lasts until 4 p.m. at Safetyville USA, located at 3909 Bradshaw Road. Call (916) 366-7233, ext. 202, for more information.

After leaving Safetyville, you’ll have just enough time to grab some dinner and a quick nap before heading over to Fairytale Town’s annual Safe and Super Halloween. The entire park will be decorated in a space theme, with Astronaut Humpty and his friends handing out candy at 17 trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. In between the all-important candy gathering, don’t forget to try some art activities and see Tommy’s Space Adventure by the Puppet Art Theater. Safe and Super Halloween happens Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is $6. Advance tickets can be purchased at Fairytale Town, located at 3901 Land Park Drive, or at www.fairytaletown.org.

If you hit a few more events next weekend and ration your candy stash wisely, you just might make it to December.