Coronavirus isn’t scaring off trick or treat in local communities.
Several have said they will go ahead with activities, as the state released guidelines on Friday.
Following Monday’s council meeting, Bowling Green Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said that trick or
treating will be a “go” this year, despite the pandemic. However, participants will be expected to
adhere to recent state guidelines.
“We have over a month until trick or treat and we all know we have to stay agile and watch things,”
Tretter said.
Trick or treat is scheduled for Oct. 31 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Tretter said that, as usual, the city will put out a statement about trick or treating in the coming
weeks, but this one will be “significantly enhanced” with information about guidance issued by the State
of Ohio about how to trick or treat safely. She said they are asking people to adhere to these
regulations and any further ones that may come from the state.
Tretter also said that homes can signify if they are participating by putting on a porch light. She
further said that the city encourages residents to keep checking back with the city for updates as the
time for the event nears.
Halloween and trick or treating will go on as scheduled in Perrysburg on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
“We strongly encourage everyone to take extra precautions this year to be safe. Usually, these
precautions include following pedestrian safety tips, avoiding dark houses, inspecting treats before
eating, etc.,” a Perrysburg news release said. “If planning on participating in this year’s events, the
city asks everyone to take extra steps to protect themselves and their family.”
Walbridge will do Halloween a little differently, with an afternoon session.
Council on Wednesday voted to have trick or treat on Oct. 31 from 3-5 p.m.
“I think it will be a good change this year. It will give more people the opportunity to pass out candy
if they want to, and it helps create a safer environment,” said Mayor Ed Kolanko.
Sue Hart-Douglas, council president, said everyone has the option to participate.
“It will be something different, safer,” she said. “I think each individual person needs to know their
comfort level.”
Hart-Douglas suggested wiping candy down and using hand sanitizer.
“I’m happy that we’re doing it. The kids are going to be happy, too,” said Councilwoman LeDena Williams,
who has two children.
After seeing Friday’s state guidelines, Perrysburg will push ahead with Halloween plans, said city
spokesperson Shannon Solt.
Trick or treating will be from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 in Perrysburg.
Perrysburg and Lake townships will also have trick or treat.
Mark Hummer, police chief and administrator for Lake Township, said the trustees will consider
Walbridge’s move to the afternoon and consult with Millbury officials before setting a time.
“I would assume we’re going to have it. I would see no reason not to. That is something that could be
done in a safe manner,” Hummer said.
Pemberville and Rossford will also have trick or treating.
On Monday, Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnon III said a parade would also be held.
In a Facebook post, Pemberville announced trick or treat in the village will be on Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
The rain date is Nov. 1.
The post asked that people travel in small groups, wear masks and gloves, use sanitizer and keep social
distance. One person in the household should distribute candy. Children should not be allowed to reach
into bowls for candy.
Stony Ridge trick or treat will be held in the village on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
Residents are asked to distribute candy from the sidewalk or limit the amount of people on the porch at
one time.
The State of Ohio issued Halloween guidelines on Friday.
Traditional trick-or-treating should be avoided this year and haunted houses and hayrides should be
canceled, the Ohio Department of Health said Friday as it released a series of non-binding
recommendations.
Communities should consider alternatives such as drive-through events with children in cars collecting
treats from individuals spaced at least 6 feet apart or decorating houses and hiding treats outside,
according to the guidelines.
“It is strongly recommended that Ohioans exercise caution when deciding to participate in
trick-or-treating and events that put them in close contact with people outside their households,” said
the recommendations from interim Health Director Lance Himes.
The health department also says large in-person parties shouldn’t be held.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has said that decisions to allow trick-or-treating will be up to local
communities. Some in Ohio have already canceled trick-or-treating this year, while other municipalities
are waiting to make decisions closer to the end of October.
The Ohio Department of Health released guidelines for safely participating in Trick-or-Treat. Some of
these safety tips include:
• Wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing;
• Wiping down candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes upon arrival at home;
• Refraining from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container or set up a
hand-sanitizing station. Consider placing treats on porch steps or a table in the driveway with a sign
asking children to take only one. Or use other creative ways to distribute treats, such as using a candy
“slide” made of PVC pipe, or hanging treats from a wall or fence;
• Avoiding homemade treats made by strangers.
A full list of guidelines can be found at
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/celebrating-halloween.pdf
(Send trick-or-treat and other Halloween information to [email protected]. Staff Writer Peter
Kuebeck contributed to this story.)
