Trick-or-treating will come early for children who live in areas that celebrate Halloween tonight rather than over the weekend.

A handful of communities in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland counties have chosen to hold trick-or-treat night tonight for several reasons.

Weeknights are better because more people are home to give out candy, and trick-or-treating times don't clash with Friday night football games or Saturday night dances or social events, said Edgeworth Borough Manager Marty McDaniel.

"We've never, to my knowledge, had it on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday," he said.

Plus, teens are less likely to stay out late and engage in Halloween mischief on a weeknight, Mr. McDaniel said.

Ambridge police Chief Mark Romutis said Beaver County's police chiefs met and decided that holding trick-or-treating on a Thursday would work best this year mostly because "people have other things going on" over the weekend.

In Vandergrift, the volunteer fire department coordinates trick-or-treating night. The fire department has bingo night on Saturday and provides help at the football game Friday, so Thursday was the logical choice this year, said Steve Delledone, borough secretary.

Safety is always a concern when it comes to Halloween night, no matter when it falls, said Bevi Powell, spokeswoman for AAA's East Central region, which covers five states and includes the Pittsburgh area.

Last year, 58 percent of motor vehicle and motorcycle fatalities that occurred on Halloween night involved drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher, Ms. Powell said.

And according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration statistics, more pedestrian fatalities on Halloween occur between 6 and 9 p.m. -- prime trick-or-treating hours -- than at any other time that day.

Peters -- The Peters Township Community Blood Drive will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Carol Drive. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are welcome. Call 724-941-9441 for appointment.

Bethel Park -- Holiday Craft Fair at Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov 7. Proceeds benefit Prime Time Adult Care, a non-profit organization.

Bethel Park -- Joy of Christmas Craft show, South Hills Assembly of God Church, 2725 Bethel Church Road, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7. More than 50 crafters, ticket auction, bake sale and lunch cafe. Admission is free; proceeds benefit Hillcrest Christian Academy.

Claysville -- 'Holly Days' Christmas craft show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14. Claysville Community Center, 212 Main St. Ticket auction, door prizes, $5 lunch buffet served 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit Claysville Community Center.

Scott -- SS. Simon & Jude School, 1625 Greentree Road, will host its annual Holiday Craft Show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 in Father Carey Hall. An auction, bake sale, 50/50 and a variety of hot and cold foods will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the children attending the school.

Upper St. Clair -- St. Louise de Marillac School, 310 McMurray Road, presents the play "Jack and the Magic Beans," 7 p.m. Nov. 12. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students, preschoolers free.

Bethel Park -- John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, will host a Christmas Affair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7. The event includes more than 55 crafters and features the JMPC Bakery, Gingerbread house and Kris Kringle Kafe and much more. For more information call 412-833-4704.

Peters -- South Hills Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, will present a brand new sermon series entitled "Reflecting the Glory" Nov. 7 and running through Jan. 4. For more information, call 724-941-8990.

Bethel Park -- John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, is holding its annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 14. Proceeds benefit John McMillan Preschool. Call 412-833-4704.

Marianna -- Election Day flea market, lunch and bake sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Marianna Methodist Church, 202 Second St.

Mt. Lebanon -- Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 3319 W. Liberty Ave. will hold its annual fall rummage sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7. Admission is free; call 412-531-7131 or visit www.mlumc.org for more information.

Scott -- The South Hills Women's Club will meet at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Vanadium Woods on Vanadium Road. Guest speaker is Marilyn Holt, Head of the Pennsylvania Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and President of the Western PA Genealogical Society.

-- Compiled by Ruby Ashby

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