For the past several years, Middletown children swarmed the City Building in search of sweets as a safe warm-up before hitting the streets to trick or treat.

In 2001, about 500 children visited the city building, which city employees decorated in various themes and also wore costumes.

That number has risen to more than 1,000 in the past few years.

However, Health Commissioner David Winfough has advised City Manager Judy Gilleland that the annual event that was set for Oct. 30 be cancelled because of the ongoing presence and growth of the H1N1 virus and could pose a possible health risk to employees, visitors and the children.

Gilleland has cancelled the event and said she hopes to have it again next year.

The annual citywide trick or treat on Oct. 31 is still on.

Cancellation of the event will have another impact. According to the city’s Finance Department, the annual event cost about $3,000. Finance Director Russ Carolus said the event is still budgeted for 2010 with $2,800 to be allocated, upon the approval of City Council.

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