So 2020 has been an interesting year to try and put it nicely. Realistically it's been a complete mess for most people. I for one was practising social distancing before it was cool so it honestly didn't affect me too much. Before this all started I already had a work from home job so it was all business as usual for me. But now that we approach October 31st what is going to happen to our precious Halloween?
I'm sure most would agree that following social distancing rules on that night would be nearly impossible to follow. Door to door candy hunting puts everyone involved in danger. Most trick-or-treating is done by younger children and a lot of door-answering is done by the high risk elderly. And while many Halloween costumes require a mask it's certainly not a replacement for a N95 mask. I can't see a lot of people following mask rules by putting a mask under their masks
Some major cities like Los Angeles have cancelled Halloween trick-or-treating outright. Some official however have reversed on their rules after some public outcry for instance LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn told the New York Times, "Even a pandemic can't cancel Halloween."
There is certainly more to Halloween than door to door candy snatching, many cities and organizations have annual festival to attend. Even if they aren't cancelled which most are it is of course best to not attend. Here are some official rules of major cities around the US.
Los Angeles County, California: A new health order issued by the Department of Public Health has mandated that any large gatherings or parties open to the public — either indoors or outside — won't be permitted. Festivals, haunted houses, carnivals, and other attractions will not be allowed to operate this year (Disneyland's Oogie Boogie Bash has already been canceled). Officials have reversed their decision on door-to-door trick-or-treat activities, and will allow car parades and drive-in movie theatres to operate on Halloween, as well as themed meals at outdoor restaurants.
New York, New York: While health officials have yet to release specific guidelines or regulations for Halloween, the city's Greenwich Village Halloween Parade (the largest public participatory event in the country, according to the New York Post) has been canceled. The event's organizers told the Post that a smaller surprise event may be planned to reduce COVID-19 risks.
Salem, Massachusetts: One of New England's most iconic Halloween destinations, Salem won't host many of its "Haunted Happenings" parades and festivals, as Phase 3 of Massachusetts reopening guidelines limit indoor gatherings to 25 people, and outdoor events to less than 100. Boston.com reports that shopping will still be allowed and several attractions like museums and restaurants will be open with reduced capacities.
Chicago, Illinois: While the state has yet to release specific guidelines for Halloween festivities, the Chicago Tribune reports that city suburbs like Highwood have already called off its annual Pumpkin Festival, and more area happenings are expected to follow. Illinois' emergency COVID-19 guidelines prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people at any one time.
San Diego County, California: Health officials have told journalists at local affiliate CBS8 that officials are waiting on new rules from the CDC before making official recommendations; one option they're exploring is drive-thru Halloween events in place of gatherings where people would normally be on foot, a similar approach that school officials took to 2020's graduation season.
Laconia, New Hampshire: One of the nation's largest pumpkin carving events, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, has been canceled, according to the Laconia Daily Sun. Event organizers may transition to smaller, intimate pumpkin-focused events throughout the entire month of October.
Orlando, Florida: Some of the first major Halloween events to be canceled were annual celebrations held at major theme parks in Florida, USA Today reports. State officials have yet to release specific guidelines, but Disney's Not So Scary Halloween Party is off and Universal Studios also recently announced the closure of its Halloween Horror Nights. The theme parks' counterparts in California also followed suit.
Arlington, Texas: Six Flags has also reportedly re-envisioned its Halloween events at most of its theme parks across the nation, including Six Flags Over Texas just outside of Dallas. The new event is designed to keep risks low, and gets rid of mazes, haunted houses and indoor shows, and reduces the amount of live actors in the park, according to Fox News.
The big concern I have is that as we've seen with so many marches and conflicts against mask regulations people don't always follow rules. I expect many will not take heed and may even go out of their way to disobey guidelines. I hope things will stay safe and not become a "Devils Night" of fires and looting.
The Nocturne Society is planning on hosting a Halloween night live chat over on YouTube to share some creepy stories and keep that Halloween spirit in the air.
Chin up, there's always next year ..... I hope.
BE SAFE OUT THERE!!
