Trick-Or-Treating Will Go On (With Restrictions) In Chicago

CHICAGO — Coronavirus won't kill Halloween in the city.

Dressed as a masked bottle of Clorox wipes, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced six-days of socially distanced trick-or-treating will be allowed during "Halloweek," between Oct. 26 and Oct. 31, to minimize crowds.

City officials announced a round of Halloween celebrations including:

• "Halloweek on the Block" surprise pop-ups on residential streets sponsored by the Chicago Park District, with help from Xfinity, the Blackhawks, Bulls and Chicago police.
• Blommer Chocolate Company will distribute 10,000 Halloween bags filled with candy, some that will include “golden tickets” that can be redeemed for a 10 lb. Blommer Chocolate bar.
• Halloween-themed virtual — and in-person events —throughout the week at Park District field houses and public libraries.

There will be Halloween public health restrictions:

• Costumed kids, their parents and folks passing out candy are required to wear masks, have hand sanitizer available.
• Trick-or-treating is only allowed at houses marked with Halloween signs or where front porch lights are on.
• Halloween house parties and traditional haunted houses are banned.

Starting Oct. 18, Chicagoans will be able to download a “Halloweek toolkit” with details about public health regulations and a sign to hang on doors to show trick-or-treating crews they're participating in allowed Halloween events.

Chicago's decision to allow trick-or-treating is a departure from state Halloween guidelines.

Mayor Lightfoot said the "reality is people re going to trick-or-treat," so the city dreamed up safe ways to keep the Halloween tradition alive.

"This year more than ever it is important to celebrate Halloween safely and responsibly," Lightfoot said. "With these guidelines we are making sure that children and adults that want to enjoy Halloween can do so without putting themselves or their community at risk."

More details are available here.