If you’ve been shopping this week, it would’ve been hard to miss the growing number of Halloween displays in area stores. Pumpkins, Jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, masks, and large assortments of candies packaged for distribution to trick-or-treaters line crowded aisles.

Invitations to masquerade parties soon will be in the mail to those who get caught up in such festivities. I expect costumed visitors dressed as ghosts and witches with brooms to ring my doorbell ­hoping to make a “haul” on candy collections.