Alternative Halloween Events In New Canaan Due To Coronavirus

NEW CANAAN, CT — Like many other Fairfield County communities, New Canaan officials are not canceling Halloween, but they are discouraging families from participating in the traditional festivities this year due to the coronavirus, such as door-to-door trick-or-treating.

As a result, the town's annual Halloween Block Party will not take place, because it is considered a high-risk for spreading COVID-19. But below are several alternative activities for families to celebrate this Halloween season.

New Canaan is currently following the state's guidance (visit:
https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance) that discourages traditional trick-or-treating but rather offers modified methods to allow for a safer event. Low Risk activities can include pumpkin carving with neighbors in a small group outdoors and with proper social distancing, home decorating, movie night, scavenger hunts through the neighborhood, virtual parties and costume contests to name a few.

"If families do choose to go out on Halloween, increased precautions should be taken," officials said. "It is advised to stay within your own family, always wear a surgical or cloth mask (do not wear Halloween masks over these as it can create a dangerous situation), wash your hands, and remain six feet apart from others at all times. Trick-or-treaters should be aware that if a home is darkened, it is likely not partaking in Halloween festivities and that decision should be respected."

Additionally, residents should not arrange for food trucks or other food, drink or entertainment that promotes gathering in neighborhoods, and remember, all private indoor gatherings are capped at 25.

If you plan to go out in your neighborhood or to visit family, carry glow sticks or flashlights, always walk on the sidewalks and use crosswalks when crossing the street where available. Also, officials advise that parents do not drop off children in certain neighborhoods and instead keep all trick-or-treaters in their own neighborhoods.

"Finally, please be aware that trick-or-treating is Covid-contingent," officials said. "If the Town feels at any point in time that Halloween needs to be canceled based on Covid cases or another indicator, the Town is prepared to cancel. If you think you might have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in any in-person festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters."

Here are several Halloween events in and around New Canaan:

• https://patch.com/connecticut/newcanaan/new-canaan-mounted-troop-hosts-halloween-events
• https://newcanaanchamber.com/calendar/kids-online-halloween-trivia-party/
• https://newcanaanchamber.com/calendar/new-canaan-nature-centers-halloween-spooktacular-2/
• https://www.ywlnewcanaan.org/scarecrow2020
• https://newcanaanlibrary.org/event/halloween-virtual-family-dance-party/
• https://newcanaanlibrary.org/pumpkinfest/
• https://www.newcanaan.info/departments/recreation/special_events/pumpkin_painting_party.php
• https://patch.com/connecticut/newcanaan/halloween-virtual-parties