10/31/2009 - Bend/Redmond

A number of public Halloween events are canceled due to fear of spreading the H1N1 virus or swine flu, making the few still held, all the more popular.

The Redmond Fire Department, Crooked River Ranch Fire Department and Mountain View Hospital were among many canceling their Halloween events. Still, kids across Central Oregon found safe places to trick or treat. The Old Mill shopping district in Bend hosted an afternoon event along with a daylight trick or treat on Sixth Street in Redmond. Some families saying the public events are safer, even in terms of the swine flu.

"These at least you are not in close contact, long term contact, so it reduces the risk," said Donna Bennett while trick or treating with her granddaughter in Redmond.

The Bend Police Department hosted their own event handing out treats and gifts bags for kids later in the evening.