How Old Is Too Old to Trick or Treat?

Preparations are underway, and families are getting ready for the big candy hunt scheduled for the end of the month.

Costume stores and catalogues catalogues are being scoured for the right outfit for little trick or treaters, shelves are being stocked with yellow and orange candy bars and front yards are decorated with ghosts and goblins -- there's no doubt, October is here.

We're all happy to see those cute little angels, pumpkins or miniature hero look alikes who knock on our door and sing out "trick or treat" on Oct. 31 each year. Well, most of us are anway. But how do we feel about the 14- or 15-year-olds, some who didn't even bother to dress up, who stop by for their share of the loot?

Organized events in many municipalities have a stipulation -- elementary school-age only, and participants must be dressed for the occasion. But it isn't so easy to enforce this when an older child or teen knocks on your front door and holds out his or her pillowcase, often already laden with goodies.

So what do you think? What age is too old for door-to-door neighborhood trick or treating?