Trick-or-treat traditions carry on with safety guidelines in place

Children can start setting their sights on a Harry Potter or Baby Yoda costume.

It appears that trick-or-treat won’t be sidelined across the Lower Valley because of covid-19.

Municipal leaders said the Halloween tradition will carry on this year, although they are urging participants to follow CDC safety guidelines.

Most municipalities have posted rules that include children and parents wearing masks and keeping a social distance.

“Council wanted to find a way for the children to trick-or-treat in these challenging times,” Blawnox Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said.

The traditional costume parade held prior to candy collecting won’t happen this year to limit large gatherings, but treat bags will be distributed at the Blawnox Volunteer Fire Department along Freeport Road.

“I think we have figured out a way for it to happen safely,” Ulanowicz said. “So many activities have been canceled that having something to look forward to is good for all of us.”

Trick-or-treating will be 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31. Residents who plan to pass out treats should post a flyer, available at the municipal building, on their front door.

In Aspinwall, children can canvass the borough from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 and are invited to participate in a costume parade immediately after at the borough building along Commercial Avenue.

In Indiana Township, residents are asked to turn on their front porch lights from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 if they will be handing out candy.

Similarly, in Sharpsburg, the event will be 6 to 8 p.m Oct. 31. Children are invited to visit the VFD hall along Main Street where firefighters will hand out candy beginning at 6 p.m.

Borough officials will be posting guidelines to encourage people to move throughout the neighborhoods safely. Pre-packaged candy is encouraged.

In Fox Chapel, trick-or-treating will be 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Participants are asked to leave their porch lights on.

A notice posted to the borough website urged families to limit the number of ghosts and goblins in each group to adhere to CDC guidelines.

O’Hara, this year, is calling its program “Boo to You.” While it is essentially trick-or-treating, they are asking residents to post a flyer that promises covid-19 guidelines are being followed. It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Township Manager Julie Jakubec said participating homes are asked to consider giving only one flavor of candy so children aren’t tempted to rummage around to see what’s available.

“Consider pre-packaging your treats if using multiple pieces of candy at least 48 hours before Halloween and placing them in your home where they will not be touched,” Jakubec said.

She asked that people avoid handing out homemade goodies or unwrapped items, especially this year.

Jakubec suggested that an outdoor treat station could be made fun for children by creating a touchless arrangement where they use kitchen tongs or something similar to pick a piece of candy.

“If people can’t set up outside, they might consider sanitizing hand rails and door bells throughout the night,” she said.

Jakubec also reminded parents that a costume mask that leaves holes for breathing is not an appropriate substitution for a face covering and that children should not be sharing props.

Residents can pick up a flyer at the municipal building or print one from the website.