Trick or Treat?
As with so many traditions, it’s hard to know what Halloween will look like this year. Will kids stay home? Will they trick or treat but in smaller groups, and limit how far afield they range? Will those who do venture out find houses dark this year? Will costumed neighbors find new ways to distribute treats?
The Swarthmorean recently put out a call for information. We are sharing responses from a handful of community members here.
Tracy Liebert DiBonaventura writes that Halloween is her favorite holiday:
We always put up a huge display for the trick-or-treaters. We’re a few houses from Swarthmore-Rutledge School, so lots of kids visit our display. What to do this year has been a great concern. I plan on putting candy out (spaced out on a table outside) and will sit outside at a distance to greet trick-or-treaters.
Maggie Spring Ainslie:
We’ll have candy out on the front porch, and we’ll be inside watching all of “The Simpsons” Halloween episodes.
Anonymous:
I’m an older person, and I’ll be locking my door and turning out the lights.
Sara Karunarathna:
We plan to put treat bags spaced out on a table at the end of the driveway, and my middle schooler will be outside to greet trick-or-treaters at a distance. My third grader is hoping enough neighbors will do something similar so she can safely trick or treat.
Colleen Murphy:
I have a sixth grader who wants to trick or treat (probably her last year) and I’m not sure how I feel about it. The thought of her walking up to doors and mixing with clusters of kids makes me nervous. I can see many families not sending their kids out, and many wanting to let their kids go out and enjoy this.
At our house, I am putting candy into small sealed bags. I will put a table at the end of my driveway, and I will set the bags out on the table. I will sit by my garage and keep filling it as needed. I’m hoping this will keep kids from gathering by the door, and maybe keep them in more of a line instead of a cluster.
Brighid Kelly:
We’re near Swarthmore-Rutledge School. We’ll be putting treat bags out, and my girls will be in costume, greeting visitors from behind our storm door.
Sarah Graden and Rebecca Ball contacted their neighbors to let them know that they would be ready to greet trick-or-treaters earlier than usual — by 4 p.m.:
We hope this helps to both space out the crowds and allow your kids to see where they are supposed to get their treats. Also, those of you with younger kids may feel more comfortable walking through the neighborhood with them during the daylight hours and before kids get cranky. Feel free to stop by and visit nice and early!
They will have tables set up outside with treat bags.
Graden says she has heard from lots of neighbors:
I know many families will be out on Halloween looking for a socially distanced way to show off their costumes and get some treats. I also know that many will be opting out.
Rutledge Borough invites trick-or-treaters to stop by Borough Hall to visit Mayor Kevin Cunningham between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Chester County Health Department offers the following guidance for a safe Halloween:
Earlier start time. Residents should be prepared to expect trick-or-treaters earlier than usual. If trick-or-treating time runs from 4-8 p.m., it thins out crowds over a longer period of time, leading to a more socially distanced experience.
Contact-free candy distribution. This includes spreading candy out on tables to avoid having children touch multiple pieces. Adults should greet children from a safe distance away.
Wear appropriate masks. Trick-or-treaters and candy distributors should wear masks. Traditional Halloween face masks won’t protect wearers from coronavirus.
Avoid traveling in big groups. Trick-or-treaters should avoid going around in big groups. Seek to trick or treat with household members.
Keep your distance. Even though trick-or-treating takes place outdoors, remember that socially distancing from other people by staying 6 or more feet away from them is still a must.
Wait your turn. If a particular residence has a lot of people receiving candy, wait until they clear out before approaching candy dispensers.
Wash your hands. Both trick-or-treaters and candy givers should remember good hand hygiene and sanitize between homes.
Stay home if you might be sick. If any member of your household is feeling sick, or you think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, please stay home.
Swarthmore and Nether Providence have both organized Halloween house-decorating contests. Check back next week to find out who won.
