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Scary clowns, Halloween may not be a good mix this year

  • Gorrilla Suit on chicken wire frame milk jug head.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Gorrilla Suit on chicken wire frame milk jug head.

  • Frosty is keeping warm with tea light candles in each...

    Posted by rogerhowell, Community Contributor

    Frosty is keeping warm with tea light candles in each pumpkin.

  • SRDX FX Productions will perform the original 1938 script "The...

    Posted by mike.suerdieck, Community Contributor

    SRDX FX Productions will perform the original 1938 script "The War Of The Worlds." at the Kimball Theatre on 10/30/16 at 7:00pm

  • All age children are invited to join us on Oct....

    Posted by PULLEY, Community Contributor

    All age children are invited to join us on Oct. 29 from 4:30-6:30pm in the parking lot of the church on Armistead (behind 215 Richmond Road) where there will be decorated cars and treats for everyone who comes by!

  • A new tradition, Trick or Treaters! Commonwealth welcomed Covenant Christian...

    Posted by kelly.mcgregor, Community Contributor

    A new tradition, Trick or Treaters! Commonwealth welcomed Covenant Christian School elementary students. Photo: Executive director, Heather Abernethy, teachers, Carolyn Griffith and Raquel Proctor and Program Director Kelly McGregor.?

  • Enjoying a warm, sunset over Jamestown Island

    Posted by somerwell, Community Contributor

    Enjoying a warm, sunset over Jamestown Island

  • Halloween sunset at Huntington Beach.

    Posted by Sandra Deans, Community Contributor

    Halloween sunset at Huntington Beach.

  • On October 30th, the FCDB helped residents of Chesapeake Retirement...

    Posted by fcdb00000, Community Contributor

    On October 30th, the FCDB helped residents of Chesapeake Retirement Community in Newport News celebrate Halloween with SCARY tunes like Gorilla Man Blues. A fun time was had by all. Follow them on Facebook.com/fordscolonydanceband/

  • Pumpkin patch, Barhamsville

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    Pumpkin patch, Barhamsville

  • In 1990 Adam Colburn, 6, of York Co. screams when...

    Adrin Snider / Daily Press

    In 1990 Adam Colburn, 6, of York Co. screams when confronted by Jason, played by Scott of Dye of Grafton, during the Haunted Woods held by the York County Fire and Rescue Volunteer Department.

  • Dr. Stacey Hall will give a $1 a pound for...

    Posted by carolynpurks, Community Contributor

    Dr. Stacey Hall will give a $1 a pound for Halloween candy and then ship it to troops overseas! 5231-E Monticello next to Fresh Market. 565-6303

  • In 1978 Halloween costumes included Star Wars outfits.

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    In 1978 Halloween costumes included Star Wars outfits.

  • Halloween Programming at Colonial Williamsburg

    Posted by somerwell, Community Contributor

    Halloween Programming at Colonial Williamsburg

  • This carved pumpkin was on display in 1972.

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    This carved pumpkin was on display in 1972.

  • Vincent DiFiore of Glenview dressed as a pineapple.

    Beth Engleman / Pioneer Press

    Vincent DiFiore of Glenview dressed as a pineapple.

  • The Aktion Club has a lot to be proud of....

    Posted by TheArcGW, Community Contributor

    The Aktion Club has a lot to be proud of. A record breaking carwash, a record number of tickets sold for The Kiwanis Shrimp Feast, and a project for Veterans serving overseas. What better way to celebrate than a costume party?

  • The BCM at William & Mary collected 40 bags of...

    Posted by jbuffkin, Community Contributor

    The BCM at William & Mary collected 40 bags of food from Holly Hills and Newport Ave. neighborhoods for FISH. L to R: Bill Borgo, Susan Ripple, and Billie Johnson received food from student, Jakob Deel, and campus minister, Jeffrey Buffkin.

  • Stacy Ritchie visited Paul's Produce at Mercury Blvd. and Seldondale...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    Stacy Ritchie visited Paul's Produce at Mercury Blvd. and Seldondale Dr. in 1978 where she was greeted by the Great Pumpkin (Jim Sprouse).

  • Dream Catchers hosted a Holiday Camp December 27-30, which included...

    Posted by tjacoby, Community Contributor

    Dream Catchers hosted a Holiday Camp December 27-30, which included horseback riding and vaulting. Dec 29th was "pajama" day when the campers could ride in their pajamas. This photo features a camper wearing her unicorn pj's with Tater.

  • Left to right: Jen, Brooklynn and Jay McClure enjoy the...

    Posted by sfearing, Community Contributor

    Left to right: Jen, Brooklynn and Jay McClure enjoy the King William Ruritan Club Octoberfest.Jay serves in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Kuwait for one year of duty two days after Octoberfest.

  • Taken at the Jones Cemetery in front of the Secretary's...

    Posted by nate000001, Community Contributor

    Taken at the Jones Cemetery in front of the Secretary's Office in Colonial Williamsburg on a 11PM Ultimate Ghost Tour at 1AM in the morning through Williamsburg Ghost Tour https://colonialghosts.com/

  • The pirate got his name from George, who built our...

    Posted by Sue Black, Community Contributor

    The pirate got his name from George, who built our workshop.

  • In this 1982 photo children and adults from Warwick Day...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    In this 1982 photo children and adults from Warwick Day Nursery show off their Halloween costumes along Warwick Blvd.

  • Mannequin waving with zombie dog and cat. People do wave...

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Mannequin waving with zombie dog and cat. People do wave back.

  • Kindergartners from Armstrong Elementary School explore the ambulance and fire...

    Posted by fyrline, Community Contributor

    Kindergartners from Armstrong Elementary School explore the ambulance and fire engine during a fire safety presentation.

  • A Happy Halloween message

    Daily Press Archives

    A Happy Halloween message

  • Found this beautiful lacy looking pumpkin at a local church...

    Posted by Sue Black, Community Contributor

    Found this beautiful lacy looking pumpkin at a local church pumpkin patch.

  • Now you see me and now you don't! The juvenile...

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    Now you see me and now you don't! The juvenile humpback whales in Virginia Beach were playing hide and seek. We took the family in a Whale Watch at Virginia Beach last weekend.

  • Split clown from Alien infestation with balloon.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Split clown from Alien infestation with balloon.

  • Members of the Williamsburg Magic Club donate food collected at...

    Posted by Dave DaFave, Community Contributor

    Members of the Williamsburg Magic Club donate food collected at their annual Friends and Family Performance to the Board of FISH. The audience generously donated five bags of food. Next Magic Club meeting is at JCC Library, 6:15, 28 Nov.

  • To be this meme: Be a woman. Wear headphones. Print out...

    iStockphoto

    To be this meme: Be a woman. Wear headphones. Print out a pack of cards explaining male entitlement and hypermasculinity and silently hand them to anyone who tries to speak to you. Why this costume isn't terrible: It's educational.

  • Posted by jenniferdale11, Community Contributor

  • Picture taken in Community Garden at Historic Triangle

    Posted by scliddellmg, Community Contributor

    Picture taken in Community Garden at Historic Triangle

  • In 1987 this Hampton home was decorated for Halloween.

    Ransy Morr / Daily Press

    In 1987 this Hampton home was decorated for Halloween.

  • As we prepare for a pet therapy visit - Flower...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    As we prepare for a pet therapy visit - Flower is decked out in her new "CROC" outfit for Halloween !

  • On May 5 St. Andrew' s Society of Williamsburg celebrated...

    Posted by andrion2, Community Contributor

    On May 5 St. Andrew' s Society of Williamsburg celebrated the 50th anniversary of Founders Day when the Society was founded in 1968. Original founders Howard Topp and Jack Baxter attended the lunch at Le Yaca.

  • This Halloween decoration was created by students at Fort Monroe...

    Herb Barnes / Daily Press

    This Halloween decoration was created by students at Fort Monroe Academy in 1978.

  • Mark Westfall at a Halloween event sponsored by Newport News...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    Mark Westfall at a Halloween event sponsored by Newport News in 1978.

  • This was taken on tonight's ghost tour in Williamsburg with...

    Posted by Zlec747, Community Contributor

    This was taken on tonight's ghost tour in Williamsburg with colonial ghosts at colonialghosts.com Our tour guide was Shelby and she was awesome! This was our first time on one of these, but there was a lot of people with us and it was fun!

  • Kindergartners from Armstrong Elementary School explore the ambulance and fire...

    Posted by fyrline, Community Contributor

    Kindergartners from Armstrong Elementary School explore the ambulance and fire engine during a fire safety presentation.

  • Owen Lewis of Glenview is a Tongue Twister.

    Beth Engleman / Pioneer Press

    Owen Lewis of Glenview is a Tongue Twister.

  • Halloween decorations, 1974.

    Ransy Morr / Daily Press

    Halloween decorations, 1974.

  • Decorations for Halloween outside of Warwick Day Nursery on Warwick...

    Herb Barnes / Daily Press

    Decorations for Halloween outside of Warwick Day Nursery on Warwick Blvd in 1978.

  • Locksley and Molly visiting a local hospital dressed in Halloween...

    Posted by melaniepaul100, Community Contributor

    Locksley and Molly visiting a local hospital dressed in Halloween finery.

  • Whimsical characters from Alice in Wonderland created on hay bales...

    Posted by SUSAN LEUCI, Community Contributor

    Whimsical characters from Alice in Wonderland created on hay bales by folks at Roadside Nursery in Gloucester.

  • Locksley, having fun at the Fox Hill Pumpkin Patch in...

    Posted by melaniepaul100, Community Contributor

    Locksley, having fun at the Fox Hill Pumpkin Patch in Hampton

  • Saturday, August 5, 9:30 am - Meegan Wallace will lead...

    Posted by Helen Hamilton, Community Contributor

    Saturday, August 5, 9:30 am - Meegan Wallace will lead a plant walk to see many unusual plants at Gosnold's Hope Park, Hampton, in the undeveloped area past the playing fields. Contact clm003@verizon.net to register and for information.

  • Photo taken by Missy Harrison Snyder

    Posted by sfearing, Community Contributor

    Photo taken by Missy Harrison Snyder

  • At the annual Halloween warm-up at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, kids...

    Posted by PULLEY, Community Contributor

    At the annual Halloween warm-up at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, kids enjoy costumes, games, candy and crafts.

  • On Halloween in 1978, Denise Dicker, 4, was entertained by...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    On Halloween in 1978, Denise Dicker, 4, was entertained by the Phoebus High Y-Teens at the pediatrics ward of Hampton General Hospital.

  • Walk into the web it will be an excellent time...

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    Walk into the web it will be an excellent time to practice karate.

  • X

    Posted by attherightspot, Community Contributor

    X

  • Two bald eagles plummeted from the sky at the intersection...

    Posted by Chris Robinson, Community Contributor

    Two bald eagles plummeted from the sky at the intersection of Rochambeau and Lightfoot Road.

  • Children from Warwick Day Nurrsery show off their Halloween costumes...

    Daily Press Archives

    Children from Warwick Day Nurrsery show off their Halloween costumes in 1982.

  • Siamese Clown clowning around. Stuffed dummy with frame support.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Siamese Clown clowning around. Stuffed dummy with frame support.

  • Flower dressed up for Halloween visits - as she is...

    Posted by M Brown, Community Contributor

    Flower dressed up for Halloween visits - as she is ready to go to "work" visiting patients and staff members. Here she shows off the "Croc A Dog" look.

  • Nicely decorated friends home for this season.

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    Nicely decorated friends home for this season.

  • Saw this caterpillar at Belmont Pumpkin Farm in Mathews county

    Posted by jernheather, Community Contributor

    Saw this caterpillar at Belmont Pumpkin Farm in Mathews county

  • Photo taken by Missy Harrison Snyder.

    Posted by sfearing, Community Contributor

    Photo taken by Missy Harrison Snyder.

  • Tyrod the cat awaits his favorite holiday

    Posted by Patrick Golden, Community Contributor

    Tyrod the cat awaits his favorite holiday

  • Colleen Underriner of Glenview enjoys her Headless Horror costume.

    Beth Engleman / Chicago Tribune

    Colleen Underriner of Glenview enjoys her Headless Horror costume.

  • Lollypop was a cowgirl

    Posted by karenlucas642, Community Contributor

    Lollypop was a cowgirl

  • Out looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a...

    Posted by Wilecat, Community Contributor

    Out looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a Jack-o-lantern

  • Shoppers prepare for Halloween in this 1977 photo.

    G.F. Bryant, Jr. / Daily Press

    Shoppers prepare for Halloween in this 1977 photo.

  • Fall Colors @ N & Out Food Mart- Rt 17...

    Posted by mike.hazlewood, Community Contributor

    Fall Colors @ N & Out Food Mart- Rt 17 Gloucester Point

  • New Town Dental Arts 2017 HALLOWEEN CANDY DONATIONS. We are...

    Posted by help000007, Community Contributor

    New Town Dental Arts 2017 HALLOWEEN CANDY DONATIONS. We are asking that you bring us your excess, uneaten and unopened Halloween Candy 11-1 through 11-8 from 10am-4pm each day. ALL the candy will be donated to our Military Associations.

  • Locksley and Molly visiting a local hospital dressed in Halloween...

    Posted by melaniepaul100, Community Contributor

    Locksley and Molly visiting a local hospital dressed in Halloween finery.

  • The 22 year old guy having lots of guts to...

    Posted by Arnold vinci, Community Contributor

    The 22 year old guy having lots of guts to create the music looking like rising rock star..!

  • From left Julie O'Bell, Brian Smith, Jeff Roberts and Scott...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    From left Julie O'Bell, Brian Smith, Jeff Roberts and Scott Glenn participate in a Halloween event sponsored by Newport News in 1978.

  • Socializing in Merchant Square with all the visitors to Colonial...

    Posted by RALPH THOMAS, Community Contributor

    Socializing in Merchant Square with all the visitors to Colonial Williamsburg!

  • From left Chris O'Bell, Harold Deaver and Ricky Smith at...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    From left Chris O'Bell, Harold Deaver and Ricky Smith at a Halloween event sponsored by Newport News in 1978.

  • Pumpkins in the trees at Busch Gardens' Hallow Scream. Oh...

    Posted by Psanzo, Community Contributor

    Pumpkins in the trees at Busch Gardens' Hallow Scream. Oh my. . . wild and crazy scary night ahead for us.

  • Come on out to 121 Cameron Circle Williamsburg on Friday,...

    Posted by judy.moham, Community Contributor

    Come on out to 121 Cameron Circle Williamsburg on Friday, October 28th from 5-7pm for a fundraiser to Benefit The Boy's and Girls Club of Hampton Roads and enjoy lots of candy, hayrides, music, seasonal refreshments and exciting raffles.

  • The Ford's Colony Dance Band once again entertained at the...

    Posted by fcdb00000, Community Contributor

    The Ford's Colony Dance Band once again entertained at the Chesapeake Retirement Community in Newport News with A Night of Love Songs on March 24th. Residents listened, danced and sang along with their big band music of the 1930s - 70s.

  • He is named after George Abetti who built our workshop.

    Posted by Sue Black, Community Contributor

    He is named after George Abetti who built our workshop.

  • Therapy dog Casper is dressed as Dr. Casper for Halloween....

    Posted by maryleeshellart, Community Contributor

    Therapy dog Casper is dressed as Dr. Casper for Halloween. He will be visiting Nursing Homes and Hospitals this week with his handler Mary Lee Berger

  • Splitting Clown from Alien infestation.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Splitting Clown from Alien infestation.

  • Burlap Thing from chicken wire frame and imagination.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Burlap Thing from chicken wire frame and imagination.

  • behind the video shot and days draming

    Posted by mywillshinifill900, Community Contributor

    behind the video shot and days draming

  • This is the castle and Cemetery we put up every...

    Posted by ba5150, Community Contributor

    This is the castle and Cemetery we put up every year for Halloween.

  • Jay McClure, a member of the Army National Guard who...

    Posted by sfearing, Community Contributor

    Jay McClure, a member of the Army National Guard who deployed to Kuwait for a year tour on Oct. 16, has a special dance with his daughter Brooklynn at the King William Octoberfest.

  • Holiday decoration at Fort Monroe Academy in 1978.

    Herb Barnes / Daily Press

    Holiday decoration at Fort Monroe Academy in 1978.

  • Cameron Lewis of Glenview is a bag of jelly beans.

    Beth Engleman / Pioneer Press

    Cameron Lewis of Glenview is a bag of jelly beans.

  • Come and get one for your home and family.

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    Come and get one for your home and family.

  • Cars and trucks parked in the field decorated for Halloween...

    Posted by rbcbbeg, Community Contributor

    Cars and trucks parked in the field decorated for Halloween with lots of candy and treats for the kids. There was games, pizza and snacks at the tennis courts and prizes for the best Trunk and Costume.

  • Dr. Stacey Hall and Henry Berryhill want you to bring...

    Posted by carolynpurks, Community Contributor

    Dr. Stacey Hall and Henry Berryhill want you to bring your Halloween candy to WCDH so it can be sent to our military overseas!

  • This scarecrow was north of Gloucester on 17, protecting the...

    Posted by jeri trudeau, Community Contributor

    This scarecrow was north of Gloucester on 17, protecting the pumpkins.

  • Mannequin waving with zombie dog and cat. People do wave...

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Mannequin waving with zombie dog and cat. People do wave back.

  • xxx

    Posted by ERIC GILLARD, Community Contributor

    xxx

  • The Great Pumpkin greets motorists on Aberdeen Rd. just south...

    Daily Press Archives

    The Great Pumpkin greets motorists on Aberdeen Rd. just south of Mercury Blvd.

  • Veronda Savage and Mark Westfall at a Halloween event sponsored...

    Kenneth Silver / Daily Press

    Veronda Savage and Mark Westfall at a Halloween event sponsored by Newport News in 1978.

  • Williamsburg Center for Dental Health recently collected over 180 pounds...

    Posted by carolynpurks, Community Contributor

    Williamsburg Center for Dental Health recently collected over 180 pounds of Halloween candy to send to the troops overseas. Pictured: Tracey Knowles, Dr. Kasey Petersen, Sarah Pitts, Kiara Green, Carolyn Purks and Nina Long (frnt).

  • Grand dogs patiently waiting for their Treat. They do not...

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    Grand dogs patiently waiting for their Treat. They do not know tonight is official Trick or Treat..Everyday they wait for their treat. Older lab is 11yrs old teaches younger lab, 2yrs old, the tricks.

  • We named our pirate after the builder of the workshop,...

    Posted by Sue Black, Community Contributor

    We named our pirate after the builder of the workshop, George Abetti.

  • Corey Perry dressed as Gene Simmons from the rock group...

    Thom Slater / Daily Press

    Corey Perry dressed as Gene Simmons from the rock group Kiss is part of the Matthew Whaley Halloween parade in 1978.

  • This is the Halloween Castle we put up each year.

    Posted by ba5150, Community Contributor

    This is the Halloween Castle we put up each year.

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Adult Students carved pumpkins...

    Posted by curtiss.melissa, Community Contributor

    English as a Second Language (ESL) Adult Students carved pumpkins for the first time as part of a cultural lesson on Halloween at the Denbigh Learning Center. A special thanks to the local Walmarts and Savealot for donating pumpkins!

  • Okay

    Posted by Immoeez, Community Contributor

    Okay

  • In 1988 children received treats after competing in the Halloween...

    Buddy Norris / Daily Press

    In 1988 children received treats after competing in the Halloween costume contest at NewMarket Shopping Center.

  • Therapy dogs Molly and Locksley visiting with nurse Leslie, during...

    Posted by melaniepaul100, Community Contributor

    Therapy dogs Molly and Locksley visiting with nurse Leslie, during a therapy dog visit at a local hospital..

  • Jordan and Reagan enjoy Pumpkinville...

    Posted by BRUCE MAC DONALD, Community Contributor

    Jordan and Reagan enjoy Pumpkinville...

  • An Ordinary Day In The Life Of A Bumblebee

    Posted by alsograteful, Community Contributor

    An Ordinary Day In The Life Of A Bumblebee

  • Lisa Seals helps lead the Warwick Day Nursery Halloween parade...

    Daily Press Archives

    Lisa Seals helps lead the Warwick Day Nursery Halloween parade in 1982.

  • This photo was taken last year during the Haunting on...

    Posted by Anna Lind, Community Contributor

    This photo was taken last year during the Haunting on DOG Street in Colonial Williamsburg. I just love living here this time of year, it almost feels like your on a movie set. -Anna Lind

  • Siamese Clown peering out the window. Stuffed dummy with mask.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Siamese Clown peering out the window. Stuffed dummy with mask.

  • Reese Rose of Glenview is a strawberry.

    Beth Engleman / Pioneer Press

    Reese Rose of Glenview is a strawberry.

  • Locksley found his pumpkins at the First United Methodist church...

    Posted by melaniepaul100, Community Contributor

    Locksley found his pumpkins at the First United Methodist church pumpkin patch in Hampton

  • A Halloween parade was held on King's Way mall by...

    Joe Fudge / Daily Press

    A Halloween parade was held on King's Way mall by Downtown Hampton Daycare children in 1978.

  • Beautiful Autumn Day Barhamsville

    Posted by Cathy309, Community Contributor

    Beautiful Autumn Day Barhamsville

  • Bert, Oscar and Big Bird cheerfully grace these pumpkins in...

    Daily Press Archives

    Bert, Oscar and Big Bird cheerfully grace these pumpkins in 1992.

  • The Flower Shoppe In Poquoson is getting ready for a...

    Posted by tfs100000, Community Contributor

    The Flower Shoppe In Poquoson is getting ready for a spooktacular Halloween season. They are located at 542 Wythe Creek Road. Drive by or come in and check us out.

  • Children in their Halloween costumes in 1989.

    Daily Press Archives

    Children in their Halloween costumes in 1989.

  • A smiling pumpkin watches the sunrise in Colonial Williamsburg.

    Posted by wreynolds3, Community Contributor

    A smiling pumpkin watches the sunrise in Colonial Williamsburg.

  • My daughter's kitten was ready for Halloween.

    Posted by JOSEPH HUMPHREY, Community Contributor

    My daughter's kitten was ready for Halloween.

  • Wife' s Pumpkin carving

    Posted by rickyst1, Community Contributor

    Wife' s Pumpkin carving

  • Queens Lake kids celebrated Halloween with a Trunk or Treat...

    Posted by rbcbbeg, Community Contributor

    Queens Lake kids celebrated Halloween with a Trunk or Treat party. Members decorated their trunks and gave out treats. There was a bonfire and smores, games, a movie and healthy snacks. Prizes for the best trunk and costume.

  • Flute Frenzy students Jennifer Ju, Jennie Wells, and Malik Smith...

    Posted by murphypj, Community Contributor

    Flute Frenzy students Jennifer Ju, Jennie Wells, and Malik Smith played at the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens in June. Flute Frenzy will be hosting a Summer Flute Camp for youth flutists. For more information go to www.flutefrenzy.org

  • Siamese Clown coming down the steps. Stuffed dummy with supports.

    Posted by David W Cordle, Community Contributor

    Siamese Clown coming down the steps. Stuffed dummy with supports.

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PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

Trick-or-treaters looking to break out red rubber noses, oversized shoes and threatening clown accessories to cause a Halloween scare might want to reconsider those plans.

With people around the country on edge from widely publicized “creepy clown” scares, police advise Halloween observers to lay off clown-related pranks. Their concerns stem from pranks, memes, hoaxes and stories of creepy clowns terrorizing people that have circulated throughout the country since early August — to include incidents on the Peninsula.

The whole scare started in Greenville County, S.C., when people’s reports of creepy clowns led deputies to search the woods around an apartment complex, according to Ben Guarino of the Washington Post.

Since then, stories of clowns have stretched to virtually every corner of the country.

Hampton police said dressing as a clown for Halloween is perfectly fine, “as long as you act in the fun spirit of the holiday.” But anyone dressed as a clown and causing a threat could face charges, said Titus Sapp, a Hampton police officer and the team leader of the city’s school resource officers.

Sapp said he “most definitely” advises people against donning scary clown costumes this year.

He also warned that state law prohibits people older than 16 from wearing masks or other covers to conceal their identities. There are exceptions for people who wear masks for work, performance arts, medical or safety purposes and “traditional holiday costumes,” such as on Halloween.

Jason Price, a spokesman for the Hampton Police Division, said anyone in a clown costume “trying to incite fear in the public is a different story.” He emphasized that it varies by situation, but Halloween is not an alibi for any crime and added that wearing a mask for reasons not approved in the state law is a Class 6 felony.

Impacting business

Karen and Ken Grizzard expected their inventory of scary clown masks to stay on the shelves of their Newport News costume shop this Halloween season as news spread of creepy, threatening clowns.

They were wrong.

The masks have been a boon for business. On Oct. 20, they had only one scary clown mask left in stock at their store, Party Station.

“We just hope they don’t buy them and do something silly,” Karen Grizzard said. “We hope they don’t wear them out on the street.”

Target has stopped selling clown masks in its 1,799 stores nationwide and has pulled the masks from its website, according to a report by Amy B. Wang of the Los Angeles Times. “Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online,” a Target spokesman said in the Times story.

Regular clown costumes for kids and adults and accessories remain available on the Target website.

Clown scare hits home

On the Peninsula, the clown scare hit home in recent weeks. On Sept. 30, Newport News and Hampton police beefed up their presence at schools due to social media accounts of people posing as clowns and making threats against some schools.

Police from the two agencies said there was no evidence that the threats were credible, but they decided to place more officers in the schools as a precaution. Police did not report any incidents related to clowns happening in any schools that day.

On Oct. 2, however, a 13-year-old girl was arrested after police said she asked one of the “clowns” on social media to kill one of her teachers at Davis Middle School in Hampton. The teenager was charged with threatening to kill by electronic means.

Police spokesman Jason Price said the teenager used her personal account and made specific threats, leading police to charge and arrest her. He said the people running the clown alias accounts might also face charges of threatening to kill by electronic means. However, they have yet to be identified.

Citing confidentiality laws, the Department of Juvenile Justice did not say whether the teenager was released or was still in custody. Price said Hampton police are still investigating the clown accounts on social media with the FBI.

In the wake of the scare and arrest, Sapp said resource officers in Hampton schools have provided additional guidance.

“Students have come to us with questions and concerns,” Sapp said. “We’ve advised them to be aware of the way they carry themselves” and told them to report anything that troubles them. He said he knows some kids just want to play around, but resource officers have advised potential Halloween pranksters that it’s not a good idea to try to cause scares, either online or while they’re out on Halloween.

Resource officers have also advised students to be aware of their social media presence because their actions online can affect them in real life.

“It’s the way of the world now,” Sapp said. “Social media is used to stir a situation up, so we have to be able to help calm them down.”

Sad day for clowning

Valerie Tutson, who has worked as a clown named Daisy since 2000, said the recent clown scares are saddening and possibly indicate the end of clowning. She said clowning’s popularity has declined because of portrayals of creepy clowns and the use of clowns in Howl-O-Scream and other attractions. The latest trend of clown scares has just continued the decline, she said.

Tutson’s business still picks up around Halloween every year, but people aren’t hiring her as a clown. Her business, A Mile of Smiles, does far more face-painting and balloon-twisting than clown performances. Tutson will put on light makeup and place a feather in her hair when she works an event, but she rarely ever gets into full costume anymore.

Her goal, she said, is to make kids laugh and their parents smile. “Clowning comes from the heart,” she said.

She also acknowledged that coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns, is a legitimate fear for some people, but more and more people have just grown nervous around clowns because of trends such as the recent clown scares.

“It’s a sad day in America when clowns cannot be clowns,” she said.

Karen and Ken Grizzard believe the clown scare is indicative of people as a whole being more on edge. “It’s bigger than Halloween,” Karen Grizzard said.

“People get nervous around anyone with their face covered … everybody is more nervous in general,” Ken Grizzard said.

The Grizzards said they didn’t change their inventory as a result of the clown scare because they operate year-round and usually have the clown masks in stock. Over the 23 years they’ve operated their store, the couple has seen fads affect people’s nerves, especially around Halloween. But they said they’ve never seen a trend affect people as much as clowns have this year.

“That’s the sad thing — clowns are supposed to be happy,” Karen Grizzard said.

Staff writers Michele Canty and Amanda Williams contributed to this report. Reyes can be reached by phone at 757-247-4692.

Halloween tips from Hampton police

*Stay in a group

*Stay in a familiar area.

**Only visit houses with a porch light on.

*Be polite to people giving out candy.

*Lay off pranks.

*Check candy before eating it.

*Don’t trick-or-treat if you’re over 13.

**Observe the hours for trick-or-treating in your locality.