City of Durham issued the following announcement on Oct. 16.
As we head into the holiday season, most of us are eager to return to familiar traditions like trick-or-treating and costume parties. While many festivities will return this year, with COVID cases still spreading daily, we’re not back to Halloween as usual. It’s still critical that we follow safety guidelines to limit COVID-19 exposure and prevent super-spreader events.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Review the following guidance shared by Mayor Steve Schewel and follow these safety measures as you plan your celebrations:
If we follow safety guidelines to keep us protected, we can have in-person-trick-or treating this year:
Trick-or-treat in small groups (one or two families or a few kids together)
Make sure kids are wearing COVID-safe masks when in a group and approaching someone's front door to trick-or-treat
Halloween costume masks alone are not COVID-safe
Respect the Halloween choices of others; if a porch light is off, please pass by that house
If you are giving out candy, consider putting your candy bowl at the end of the driveway to limit contact
Neighborhoods should not welcome or encourage large crowds
Other safe Halloween activities:
Pumpkin carving and Halloween decorations at home
Watch scary Halloween movies
Create costumes and dress up
Drive-through Halloween giveaways, virtual celebrations, and Zoom costume contests among friends
Additional guidelines and resources:
Remember that Durham remains under an indoor mask requirement, even among those who are fully vaccinated.
Follow current CDC guidance for safer activities and gatherings which recommends celebrating outside and at least 6 feet away from others, or virtually with people in your household.
Increase your safety by getting vaccinated and practicing the 3Ws – wear a mask in all indoor public settings, wait 6 feet apart in public settings, and wash your hands often.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Our Parks and Recreation team (DPR) and public safety departments are ready to help you celebrate Halloween safely with free activities for your whole family – from campfire stories and hayrides to treats and costume contests. Find several highlights below or view the full calendar on the DPR website. You can find even more holiday fun on the Discover Durham calendar.
Fright Night
Friday, October 15, 6-9 p.m.
Edison Johnson Recreation Center, 500 W. Murray Ave.
DPR's Fall event for all ages includes classic carnival games, a costume parade, and a haunted house that will have you "howling" with screams and laughter. Come out in your favorite spooky attire.
Barktoberfest
Saturday, October 23, 3-6 p.m.
Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St.
Presented by DPR and Beyond Fences, canines and their families are invited to enjoy a costume contest, games, a beer garden, pet-friendly vendors, food, and more.
Trunk or Treat (registration required)
Friday, October 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Holton Career & Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.
Join DPR for a fun-filled, family event featuring open car trucks displaying candy and decorations. Costumes encouraged and parents are invited to participate with their cars.
Treats 'n Fleet
Saturday, October 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Walmart SuperCenter, 1525 Glen School Rd.
Hosted by the Police Department's Community Services Division, join Durham's public safety departments for this family-friendly, contact-free event. Drive or walk through to see cool cop cars on display and grab a bag of candy.
Hallow-Eno
Sunday, October 31, 6- 9 p.m.
West Point on the Eno, 5101 N. Roxboro St.
DPR’s 32nd annual Halloween event for the whole family features campfire stories and songs, hayrides, treats, face painting, arts and crafts, and more.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Durham
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