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by Julia Pekala
After many aspects of our lives were put on hold over the past year or so, many are eager to bring back traditions from the pre-pandemic era. Americans face the difficult decision of whether or not to host or accept invitations to Halloween parties or Thanksgiving gatherings. However, in the new United States COVID-19 guidelines, The Centers for Disease Prevention advises all individuals, vaccinated or unvaccinated, to consider outdoor or virtual Halloween events over indoor ones. The guidelines also recommend that “if celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will pull fresh air in through the other open windows.” The guidelines say to consider opening a window or buying a fan if hosting an event. Unvaccinated participants of events over the age of two are prompted to wear masks during indoor events. The guidelines say it is the most important to “have conversations ahead of time to understand expectations for celebrating together.” It is important to have clear communication between the hosts and guests of holiday gatherings about safety and guidelines before attending the event.
COVID-19 safety is not the only concern to have when trick or treating this year. Here is a spooky fact: children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any day of the year. The way to prevent vehicular accidents on Halloween is for motorists and pedestrians to take extra caution when driving, walking, or crossing the street. Drivers should be especially observant in residential areas, take time to look for kids at intersections, enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully. They should also eliminate distractions, drive slowly, and turn on headlights earlier in the day to spot children. Pedestrians should cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks, looking left and right when crossing, making eye contact with drivers before crossing, putting away electronic devices prior to crossing, walking across the street instead of running, and staying on sidewalks or paths.
Parents should also accompany young children under the age of twelve. If older children are going alone, they should be told to stay in well-lit, familiar areas and travel in groups. Parents should plan and review an acceptable trick-or-treating route with their kids, and choose a specific time for the child to return home. Parents are also asked to give their kids glow sticks or flashlights to their children prior to the start of trick-or-treating. Parents are also responsible to teach children to never enter a strangers car, as well as for making sure their child does not consume any candy that can cause allergic reactions.
Although treats being tampered with is rare, all candy should be thoroughly examined and thrown away if they have any unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in the wrappers, spoiled or unwrapped homemade items or baked goods should be treated with caution as well, unless you personally know who handed them out. It is also recommended children do not accept anything that is not commercially wrapped. Additionally, parents are responsible for removing choking hazards for young children such as gum, peanuts, hard candy, and toys.
Last year in Hackettstown trick-or-treating and many other Halloween events went on, however, some were held virtually or canceled. The annual Hackettstown Halloween Downtown Event was held virtually last year. While the event usually consisted of a parade as well as a costume contest, the 2020 event consisted of participants emailing photos of costumes to Centenary University Vibe Tribe, with the winners being released on November 1. This year, however, the Eighth Annual Halloween Downtown Event will be held on October 30th from 3:00-5:00 pm, with the parade line up starting at 2:30 pm at Centenary University on West Moore Street. Trick-or-treating was permitted in the state of New Jersey, and many decorated their houses and homes; however, some may decide to just stay at home. This year trick-or-treating will be happening on October 31st, 2021 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Those handing out candy are asked to buy individually wrapped candy to hand out to trick or treaters, as well as to make sure their yard is well-lit and free from hazards trick-or-treaters may possibly stumble upon.
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