Beachwood Moves Trick-Or-Treating To Halloween

BEACHWOOD, NJ — Beachwood officials have changed trick-or-treating in the borough to Halloween, joining surrounding towns that have moved their candy-gathering to Oct. 31.

Last week, Beachwood officials had said trick-or-treating would be held on Oct. 30, the date it's usually held in deference to the Toms River Halloween parade. The parade was canceled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, however.

On Tuesday, Toms River officials announced trick-or-treating in the township would be on Halloween, which falls on a Saturday this year, because the parade had been canceled. South Toms River and Pine Beach also are holding their trick-or-treating on Halloween, coordinating with Toms River.

Beachwood officials announced their change Thursday, setting hours of 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the goodie-gathering extravaganza. The borough curfew is 9 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31.

"This decision was made after discussion with our police chief and our surrounding communities in order to try and be consistent with each other and provide a safe and fun day for our residents," officials said.

While borough officials set the date for Halloween, they said the decision of whether or not to participate is being left up to each family.

Officials also had the following suggestions:

• Residents who plan to trick-or-treat are asked to wear a mask or face covering in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines, practice proper social distancing, carry hand sanitizer and be respectful of those who choose not to participate.
• For residents who want to participate in providing treats please leave your porch lights on.
• Residents who do not want to participate are encouraged to turn off their front light, close their front door and/or place a sign in front of their house.
• We advise parents to accompany children, always carry a flashlight for safety, stay as close to the side of the roads as possible and only go to houses where the porch lights are on.
• As always please drive cautiously through our streets, especially on Halloween.

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