Every year the fall/winter holiday season starts just a little bit sooner: our local Wal-mart had out Halloween candy, costumes and decorations by the first of September. I'm not sure who is buying Halloween candy two months before the fact, unless they plan to eat it themselves, since I am unaware of any reports of candy shortages, even in the thick of Trick or Treat night itself.

Another local anomaly: since the Halloween Haunt feature now runs from Sept 23 through October ("six spooktacular weekends!") at nearby Geauga Lake theme park, they had to run their "Oktoberfest" in mid-September. Hmm, maybe we'll have the 4 of July in June next year.

So anyway, I've been keeping a keen eye out, and I got my very first news item on Halloween, yesterday, from PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! about their Halloween-themed programming on October 31, 2005, which is inevitably filled with "frightful fun."

"Halloween is such an exciting time for kids and we're featuring content to help children expand their imaginations and talk about some of the things that might frighten them this time of year," said John F. Wilson, Senior Vice President, Programming, PBS. "Through our educational, entertaining programming, parents can feel good knowing their kids are getting a real treat with PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! on October 31."

As a parent who cares, I certainly feel good about it.

In addition to the programming on October 31, from Monday, October 24 through Halloween, Monday, October 31, "ARTHUR's Halloween Week" coincides with a similar full week of spooky episodes on the PBS KIDS GO! math thriller cartoon, CYBERCHASE.

Kids can go online (PBSKIDS PBSKIDSGO) for e-cards, printable coloring pages, make-your-own Halloween masks and much more!

October 31 programming On PBS KIDS:

CLIFFORD (Episode 206)
"Clifford the Scary Puppy"
Evan goes a little too far when he's playing spooky tricks on the kids, until Clifford accidentally gives him a good scare.

"Things That Go Bump"
There's a costume campout party in the courtyard on Halloween night. Everyone drifts off to sleep but Clifford, who's too spooked by unfamiliar sounds to close his eyes. Norville comes to his rescue, and together, they nervously uncover that the "things that go bump" are only frightening in their imaginations.

BERENSTAIN BEARS (Episode 110)
"Trick or Treat"
Brother and Sister plan to avoid Widder Jones' house when they go trick or treating because neighborhood lore has it that she's a witch. Mama knows Widder Jones personally and tells the cubs what a sweet person she is. When the evening is over the cubs agree with Mama. They enjoyed visiting Widder Jones more than anyone else that Halloween. Brother and Sister learn not to judge others by appearances or by preconceptions.