Ghoulies, ghosties and long-leggity beasties are due to arrive next Monday in downtown Winchester.

Clowns, especially scary clowns, are not welcome.

Winchester Police are encouraging parents to bring their children to Halloween MAIN-ia and trick-or-treat in downtown Winchester next Monday evening.

Given recent national trends people in clown costumes scaring or terrorizing people, clown costumes should be left at home.

“We will not be amused with people trying to scare or intimidate (others) in clown masks,” Winchester Police Chief Kevin Palmer said. “We’d love it if parents would refrain from the clown masks.”

For the last several years, the city hosted a downtown trick-or-treating event for the community and businesses handed out candy for all who come.

“That is the safe place to be,” Palmer said. “The kids walk away with a good haul and the parents can relax.”

Palmer said streets in downtown will be closed from 6-8 p.m. and there will be officers on duty, he said.

Trick-or-treating hours are the same throughout Winchester. Regardless of where trick-or-treaters go, parents should still inspect candy once they get home, he said.

Palmer said cemeteries and walking trails close at dusk. Anyone caught in those locations after hours can be cited for trespassing or other charges, he said.

Contact Fred Petke at fred.petke@winchestersun.com.