PRESS RELEASE
October 21, 2025
CITY OF MERIDIAN KICKS OFF A WEEK OF SAFE HALLOWEEN FUN
Mayor Percy Bland and Police Chief Malachi Sanders highlight inclusion, safety, and
community spirit.
MERIDIAN, Miss. — The City of Meridian is gearing up for a full week of Halloween celebrations —
from community fun to family traditions — all with a focus on safety, inclusion, and togetherness. Mayor
Percy Bland and Police Chief Malachi Sanders are encouraging families to celebrate responsibly
throughout the week while city departments work together to provide extra patrols, lighting, and public
safety coverage across Meridian. “Mayor Percy Bland: Meridian, we’re kicking off a full week of safe,
family-friendly Halloween fun. We’ll begin at the Meridian Police Department Headquarters, outlining
our citywide safety plans — including extra patrols, added lighting, and support from our citywide
camera network. On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1–4 p.m., bring the kids to the Candy Crawl on City Hall
Lawn, Dumont Plaza, and throughout downtown Meridian — and please don’t miss Sensory Street
behind City Hall, a calm and inclusive space for individuals of all abilities. On Thursday, Oct. 30, from
5:30–7:30 p.m., join our first responders for the Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat at the Police Department
— a safe, fun, and family-friendly evening to meet our police and fire teams. Then, on Friday, Oct. 31,
our neighborhoods will shine as families enjoy traditional trick-or-treating across Meridian. This isn’t
about changing traditions — it’s about keeping our children safe and our community connected.
Whichever events your family chooses, please celebrate safely, celebrate responsibly, and look out for
one another.” “Police Chief Malachi Sanders: We’ve taken extra steps this year to make sure everyone
can enjoy the holiday safely. You’ll see officers and firefighters in neighborhoods, on foot and in patrols,
providing visibility and support. We’re also reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and keep their
eyes out for kids who may be crossing streets or walking between parked cars. Our citywide camera
network is also a vital part of how we help keep every neighborhood safe. These cameras serve as an
extra set of eyes, helping our officers respond quickly and monitor areas in real time so that families
can celebrate with peace of mind. We love seeing our community come together for events like this —
it’s what makes Meridian special.” Mayor Bland concluded, “Momentum in Meridian isn’t just about
projects and progress — it’s about people. When we celebrate together, when we listen to one another,
and when we look out for each other, that’s what moves our city forward. Let’s make this Halloween a
week full of laughter, kindness, and community pride.”
Office of the Mayor
City of Meridian, Mississippi
