For almost a decade, Castleton College students have passed around rumors concerning the trick-or-treat policy in the town of Castleton “I heard a kid died and that’s why they don’t allow it,” Said Sarah.

Variations of this tale circulate around Castleton’s campus, including a story of a drunk driver, assumed to be a college student, running over a young trick-or-treater.

But no college student has run over any small children, according to Judith Carruthers, Castleton’s Career Counselor. She is also a Justice of the Peace for Castleton, and on the Board of Civil Authorities. She is certain the rumors are “not true.”

After consulting with a few people in her office and calling up Mary Ann Jakubowski, Secretary of Tax Collector for the town of Castleton, Carruthers is ready to put the rumor to rest. Jakubowski has between 70 to 100 young visitors on Halloween, and even the Town Manager, John Dodd, has said he knows nothing of this policy.

But if this isn’t true, where did this rumor come from?

Dianna Frye, Calvin Coolidge Library’s Circulation Assistant, remembers a time in the early 90s when razorblades were stuck in candy and the fear of Halloween was more about safety than vampires and ghosts.

“My guess is that’s when it started,” Said Frye, who moved to Castleton with her family in 1985.

“My kids did it.I gave out candy,” She goes on to say.

The usual route for kids seeking to satisfy their sweet tooth is to start at one end of main street and ending only after hitting every home and business they come to.

Perhaps the rumor can also be contributed to a few events the college has been putting on for years, which includes the Glenbrook Gymnasium’s Halloween party.

Carruthers is proud to be the coordinator for the Halloween Parade, which is in its 48th year.

“It’s a hoot!” Said Carruthers.

This year’s theme is “It’s a jungle out there. Stay in school,” and will be featuring animal masks for those without a costume. The parade has won a trophy every year “for something,” said Carruthers.

Before she came to Castleton, there wasn’t a parade, and it was suggested to her by Dean Gregory Stone and she had thought, “How stupid is that.”

But after attending, Carruthers remembers laughing so hard she cried.

The Halloween Parade is hardly a one woman show. With the help of the Student Association providing $600 in candy and the majority of on campus clubs lending a hand, the parade is always worth seeing, and Carruthers encourages students’ participation.

“Little kids love college students.they think they’re rock stars,” She said.

If you feel like acting “beyond silly,” Carruthers advises the parade as the trick, or treat, for you.