Halloween is a time of happiness and silliness, a time for kids to eat all the candy in the world, but there was a question of whether or not it would happen this October. This question is one that many kids and parents wanted to know the answer to. Kids have been stressing all year if they would get to dress up and participate in trick-or-treat. The answer is yes.
Prior to the big day, Westerville’s city website stated trick-or-treat will take place on Saturday, October, 31st. The Franklin County Health Department and the Delaware Health Department said trick-or-treat can go on as long as the city, as a whole, takes the necessary precautions in keeping everybody safe. Now, what does this entail, and will parents feel safe sending their kids out?
Community Affairs Director, Christa Dickey, had high hopes for this year’s Halloween.
“I think Halloween is something this city needs, to bring the spirit up,” Dickey said. It’s something the kids need to make their life normal. In order for this to happen, we need to follow all of the safety measures set, we need to wear masks or set candy out so we don’t make contact. I believe this is something we can do as a city.”
Dickey also had this to say about if trick-or-treat would be canceled, “You know I don’t think it will be canceled. As long as we [the city] keep our numbers down, we should be fine and not have to worry about canceling it.”
Many may be concerned about people not following the guidelines, and Dickey had this to say:
“People need to be very smart about this because of COVID-19. Ultimately, trick-or-treat is not city-run. It is organized and run by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). [Westerville] just has to strongly advise people to follow the guidelines to keep everybody safe,” Dickey said.
Even with safety precautions: wearing a mask, sanitizing hands and a lack of contact, will parents feel safe? It’s a question that will differ from parent to parent.
Katie McMahon, a parent, and a resident in Westerville, expressed her concern.
“My children won’t be going trick-or-treating this year,” McMahon said. “I feel bad for them, but I don’t want to take that risk. I’m sure the safety precautions will be good, but some people don’t like to follow rules.
I’ll gladly pass out candy for the children that do choose to trick-or-treat, and I will follow the safety requirements. I want those children to feel safe when they come and get candy from my door. It’s part of my responsibility as a citizen in Westerville to keep them safe,” McMahon said.
Alex Lowery, a junior, had hopes of trick-or-treating this year.
“I would have loved to trick-or-treat this year, but my parents are very strict, so they won’t let me,” Lowery said. I completely understand where they are coming from; they just want me and our family to remain safe. It’ll be a bummer to miss it, but I know it’s for the best.”
Trick-or-treat happened this year, once again a spooky October night. Remain safe and healthy after trick-or-treating and enjoy the holiday.
