How to save scariest Halloween ever
Trick or treat.” Halloween 2020 seems doomed to be the former rather than the latter. If anything spooks elected officials, it’s being decisive about how to handle this holiday.
“I learned a long time ago in my job never, ever mess with Halloween,” admitted Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, who declined to declare a ban on trick- or- treating.
If there has ever been a time to mess with Halloween, it is during this pandemic. Officials, though, are overstating their influence on their youngest constituents. As a grassroots tradition, trick- or- treating hasn’t faced an obstacle like this since sugar was rationed during World War II.
Like other municipal leaders, Boughton will huddle with health officials and the police chief. There’s wisdom in acknowledging that there may be no stopping families from maintaining this tradition, but state leaders should try to collaborate on the same script.
Consider the mixed messages with more than 40 days until the first doorbell rings.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his counterpart in New Jersey, Phil Murphy, are not discouraging the tradition, but will suggest best practices.
Los Angeles officials flip- flopped on an initial ban within 24 hours.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has been optimistic pending advice from health officials.
The opinions of local leaders seem as diverse as the contents of a 7- year- old’s sack of collected candy every Oct. 31. The common thread is that they all want to try to make it happen.
Medical officials offer a more dispassionate perspective.
“I would not have my children go door to door this season. There are a few things that can be done to do it safely, but it’s still a risky proposition,” said Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, chief medical officer of PhysicianOne Urgent Care.
Lamont’s perspective seems somewhat naive, as he casually reasoned that many children wear masks and gloves anyway as part of their costumes. Parents should instead explore the advice of health experts who dismiss the medical value of costume masks.
Officials can put out mandates to prevent local trunkor- treating, hay rides, haunted houses and the like that draw crowds. It will be more challenging to prevent kids from showing up door to door. Even if precautions are followed by well- meaning homeowners, it is also sending children to the homes of vulnerable senior citizens.
We are not calling for the cancellation of the holiday. There is still enough time for Connecticut communities, following directions from Lamont’s office, to coordinate events to offer at least a taste of the sweet and sour holiday.
One option would be to distribute tickets to families to candy distribution events at large venues such as those unused football fields, or farms in rural communities. Even large turnouts can be appropriately paced by following a schedule and ensuring volunteers distributing goodies are masked and protected themselves.
Easter Egg hunts and Fourth of July fireworks were canceled in 2020. But Halloween is the season of creativity. This treat is still possible.
There is still enough time for Connecticut communities, following directions from Lamont’s office, to coordinate events to offer at least a taste of the sweet and sour holiday.