No Halloween trail event this year in West Liberty, but kids can still go door-to-door

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The popular West Liberty Parks and Recreation Department’s Halloween trick or treat trail event became the latest victim of the COVID-19 pandemic Tuesday, Oct. 6, when the city council confirmed not allowing the public event to take place this year.
On a recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board of Directors and Director Nick Heath, the event was dubbed to be “unsafe” for residents, the board concerned with social distancing on the crowded trail where the community comes to trick or treat before regular trick or treat hours in the city.
At least a dozen businesses and organizations, along with a few individuals, line the trail route annually from the Depot to the high school to pass out goodies to local youngsters and the park district typically supplies free pizza and hot chocolate at the Depot Museum building to attendees.
Heath said congestion on the trail would be difficult in keeping a healthy balance for families, “making it difficult to control large gatherings and allow for social distancing.”
However, the community-wide trick or treat door-to-door event will continue, with residents providing treats asked to “get creative” in giving kids candy. Heath said although the CDC and other health authorities are not recommending door-to-door trick or treating, he said it’s likely going to happen anyway, people deciding for themselves to take to the streets. He said by putting a time limit on the event, it would give police and residents an outline to follow.
The council, on a 3-1 vote, decided to set trick or treat hours in the community for Halloween evening, Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m. It was noted that trick or treat hours on typical years is just an hour, but it followed the trail event.
The park district pointed out that if youngsters have been sick, they should not be participating.
There were also several suggestions put forth by the park department concerning fall activities including: Carving or decorating pumpkins with family for display, carving or decorating pumpkins with neighors at a safe distance, decorating your house, apartment or living space, hosting a Halloween scavenger hunt, hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest, hosting a Halloween movie night.
It was also pointed out that children or adults should not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask, possibly making it difficult to breath. A Halloween themed cloth mask was recommended instead.
The West Liberty police department will also be handing out treats on Oct. 31 to local youngsters.

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