The city of Fond Du Lac celebrated Halloween on Sunday a few days before the actual holiday on Wednesday. It’s part of the city’s mission to make the day safer after a girl was murdered 45 years ago.
Ever since 9-year-old Lisa Ann French was murdered on Halloween back in 1973, Fond Du Lac Police say the holiday has never been the same.
Anne Oberlander, a former Fond du Lac resident who lived in the town during the time of the murder, says Halloween was changed for the entire city.
"Very much so, remember this girl disappearing, and it was just unheard of,” Oberlander recalls. “This sort of thing doesn't happen in Fond Du Lac."
French was out trick-or-treating by herself when she was abducted by Gerald Turner. Fond Du Lac Police now require trick-or-treating to be done on weekends during the daylight from 2:30 to 5:30.
Police advise Fond Du Lac residents to have kids go out with adult supervision or in groups never by yourself. Police say they want people to enjoy the holiday but also stay safe.
“One of the big things is for parents to have talks with their kids if they’re going out by themselves trick or treating,” says Steve Klein with the Fond Du Lac Police Department. “Parents need to know where their kids are going to be going and stay in contact with home parents need to know where those kids are.”
Assistant Chief Klein advises people against dark Halloween costumes. He also wants people to be extra vigilant while walking in neighborhoods trick or treating.
