JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Have you heard the talk of changing Halloween to the last Saturday in October?

Changing the date would require President Trump to ask Congress to make it a federal holiday.

Considering that only 6 federal holidays have been created since 1888, it is unlikely to happen soon.

The Halloween & Costume Association that started a petition to change the Halloween date has a new goal – the last Saturday in October to become National Trick or Treat Day.

Their petition to change the date has more than 120,000 signatures.

The group’s Chairman Kevin Johnson told the USA Today newspaper that “Halloween has the power to unite rather than divide.

“While we still believe an end-of-October Saturday celebration will promote safety and increase the fun, this year we will be launching a national initiative designed to enhance the Halloween that we all know and love while uniting our country.”

National Trick or Treat Day will be a day where “Americans can participate in community parades, throw neighborhood block parties and opt for daytime Trick or Treating.”

The petition to change Halloween to increase child safety had some support.

The Mars candy company even offered to give away 1 million Snickers bars if the change happens.

Some Halloween fans opposed moving a holiday with historical significance.

Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts, according to History.com.

Pope Gregory III in the 8th Century designated Nov. 1 as a day to honor all saints and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween.

The campaign for National Trick or Treat Day will kick off Friday, Sept. 13.