Even though weather forecasters are predicting rain tonight, no one should let a little dampness ruin an otherwise “boo-tiful” Halloween evening.

When the light fades from the sky late in the day, thousands of pint-sized goblins, ghosts, witches, super-heros, princesses, and other fantastic creatures will flood the streets in most of South Whidbey’s neighborhoods. Too small to be really scary, they will be looking for candy and good times.

As in past years, Langley promises to be the hot spot for trick-or-treating. Drawn by the sheer number of houses and by the kid-oriented Hallelujah Carnival hosted by the Langley CMA Church, the little sweet seekers will fill the city’s streets from about 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Langley Police Chief Bob Herzberg said this week parents should keep their trick-or-treating kids safe by parking the car and walking with them from house to house. With so many children out Halloween night, Herzberg said, it is not safe to drive through town.

“Park the car and walk your child,” he said.

He also recommended that trick or treaters carry flashlights and attach reflective material to their costumes. The drivers who are on the road need to see them.

“I’m amazed how some of the kids are barely visible,” he said.

Other places on South Whidbey where the candy haul promises to be substantial include Sunlight Shores, Scatchet Head, Freeland and Holmes Harbor. Island County Sheriff Mike Hawley said he will not have extra patrols in those areas on Halloween. Short staffed since a number of his deputies left the county on reserve military duty, he said he is hoping a recent slowdown in incidents of malicious mischief and vandalism will hold.

“I’m hoping it will stay quiet through the holidays,” he said.

Other cautionary recommendations for the evening come from the Island County Health Department. Parents are encouraged to inspect all the candy and treats their children bring home and to throw out any edibles that are not properly wrapped.