An early evening Saturday trick-or-treat date is returning by popular demand in Jim Thorpe Borough this year.

Council approved the 2021 trick-or-treat event for Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m.

It is the second consecutive year for an earlier start time to the event, which Mayor Michael Sofranko said worked out well in 2020.

“We asked people how they wanted to see it done this year, and about 90 percent of parents that came up to me really enjoyed having it on Saturday afternoon from 5-7 p.m.”

Kicking off the event with daylight, he said, helps the police department with getting children across streets safely.

Jim Thorpe historically scheduled trick-or-treat midweek in conjunction with surrounding municipalities, but is sticking with the Saturday schedule, in part, to lessen the burden on families.

“Parents told us having it on Saturday means they aren’t rushing after coming home from work to get their children dressed and ready, so I think it’s really in everyone’s best interest to have it on the weekend,” Sofranko said.

The Sam Miller Field Association will be holding its annual trunk-or-treat event at the field along North Avenue, also from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 30. LeRoy Strohl, of the Sam Miller Field Association, said the group hopes to have 35-40 cars participating in the event.

The Jim Thorpe Lions Club will be passing out hot dogs, while Dave Gasker will be providing music.

“It’s a very popular event,” Sofranko said. “I think they had around 450 children last year, so it is really continuing to grow.”

Also returning this year is the Jim Thorpe Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club. The event is scheduled for Oct. 23 at 2 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 24.