AVONDALE ESTATES — The City of Avondale Estates has canceled door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween due to COVID-19 concerns.
“This year’s Halloween traditions will look different than past seasons throughout the world. Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Avondale Estates will not be supporting or sanctioning any Halloween activities that would pose a health risk. Door-to-door trick-or-treating, which is known to draw in hundreds of ghosts, goblins, and super heroes from neighboring areas, is too much of a health risk in the midst of COVID-19,” City officials said in an announcement to residents.
City officials also note that sidewalks crowded with children and their parents celebrating on a weekend holiday this year would make social distancing impossible.
While the trick-or-treating won’t be on the agenda, the city’s annual Halloween Spirit Awards for decorating will be taking center stage and going digital with a public voting component.
Residents decorating their homes can compete for spookiest, most creative, and children’s appeal, while businesses can compete against each other for best overall design.
Rather than a carload of anonymous judges deliberating over use of lighting, sound effects, and visual appeal, residents and visitors can vote online for their picks during late October.
Earlier this week, the CDC released its guidelines for Halloween celebrations during the pandemic, and also advised against door-to-door trick-or-treating.
