Halloween is just a few days away and that means those little princesses, football players and ghosts will be traveling through our Novi neighborhoods.

Recommended trick or treat hours in Novi are between 6-8pm, and the Novi Police and Fire Departments want Halloween to be fun and safe for everyone. 

Keep children safe by following these tips:

• Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches
• Travel in groups and have an adult with you
• Use flashlights and stay on the sidewalk
• Cross streets at the corner & use crosswalks
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.

For more safety tips, visit cityofnovi.org or call 248.348.7100.

Help play a role in improving Novi by applying to become a member of the Novi Youth Council.

This 21-member group is charged with making recommendations to the City Council concerning the needs of children and families in the city, and the appropriate means by which public and private agencies in cooperation with volunteer efforts may address such needs.

Those interested must be Novi residents at the high school level. The two-year term limit is from January-December, a change from the previous years when it was September-June.

Applications can be found at cityofnovi.org and must be turned in by 5pm on Tuesday, November 1. For more information about Novi Youth Council, visit cityofnovi.org.

Celebrate delicious vegetarian food at the inaugural International Vegetarian Food Festival on Oct. 29 at Suburban Collection Showplace.

This free event, which runs from 10-8pm, will feature at least 10 restaurants offering more than 100 vegetarian dishes and free samples. There also will be various speakers discussing healthy living habits, kids activities, yoga and live music. 

A variety of vendors will be on hand selling vegan products, offering free chair massages and aroma therapy. 

For more information, visit mivegetarian.org. 

The Nov. 8 General Election is almost here, and the Novi City Clerk's Office is extending hours to help residents obtain absentee ballots or answer questions.

The office will be open from 8-noon Saturday, Oct. 29, 8-6:30pm Tuesday, Nov. 1 and 8-2pm Saturday, Nov. 5.

Absentee ballots are still available. The deadline to receive applications for ballots to be mailed is 2pm Saturday, Nov. 5. Those qualified to vote by absentee ballot may obtain a ballot in person at the City Clerk's Office until 4pm Monday, Nov. 7. Ballots obtained in person on that date must be voted in the City Clerk's Office.

The polls will be open from 7am to 8pm on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Visit michigan.gov/vote to confirm your registration and polling location. The deadline to register to vote has already passed.

Buy your tickets now for the always sold out Addicted to Movies, Not Drugs event at Emagine Novi on Monday, Nov. 7.

This all-night movie marathon features four movies, popcorn, pizza and soda throughout the evening for only $10 per person. Teens in grades 7-12 from Novi and the surrounding area are invited, and a student ID will be required at check in.

All money from the event goes to support drug prevention and education and is used by the Novi Youth Council.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cityofnovi.org.