During Northampton Borough Council’s Oct. 6 meeting, members discussed Halloween events and scary antics, including minor changes in the Jack Frost Parade route, Emmaus parade organizers banning candy being tossed by participants and recent reports of individuals dressing as clowns and frightening both children and adults.

The Jack Frost Parade, set for 7 p.m. Oct. 20, will begin in front of Northampton Area High School on Laubach Avenue. It will travel from Laubach Avenue to 19th Street, continuing to Main Street, then to 14th Street and back to Laubach Avenue.

Rain date is Oct. 27.

The borough is picking up the tab for three bands in the parade, which is sponsored by the Northampton Exchange Club.

When discussion arose on Emmaus’ restriction of throwing candy to children along the parade route, Councilman Ed Pany asked, “How are you going to enforce it?”

Borough Manager Leroy Brobst said the borough van will participate in the Jack Frost Parade. He and council members will have Tootsie Rolls for the kids. In many instances, candy isn’t tossed from vehicles but rather handed out by participants walking along the parade route.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. called for a heavy police presence Oct. 31 when the borough observes trick-or-treat night for children 6-8 p.m. in the wake of persons dressing as clowns with mischief on their agendas. A rash of those sightings and hoaxes in the region and nationwide have been reported in the past weeks.

Police Chief Ron Morey said police always are fully deployed on trick-or-treat night.