Associated Press - October 30, 2009 4:14 AM ET

LINDEN, Mich. (AP) - Kids in this Genesee County community who score a few more goodies while trick-or-treating can thank 1 of their own.

Ryker Rivera persuaded fellow fifth-graders at Linden Elementary School to sign petitions asking the City Council to add two hours to the standard 6:08p.m. trick-or-treating time slot. The 11-year-old reasoned that since Halloween falls on Saturday, youngsters would have more free time.

The council received the petitions Monday and voted to stretch the trick-or-treating window from 6:08p.m. to 5:30-8 p.m. It was less time than Ryker wanted, but his mother, Shannon, said he was thrilled to learn of his accomplishment.

City and school officials recognized the youngster's leadership skills Wednesday by presenting him with a proclamation declaring Oct. 28 as "Ryker Rivera Day" in Linden, 60 miles northwest of Detroit.

Information from: The Flint Journal, http://www.mlive.com/flint

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.