Pleasantville Cancels Halloween Ragamuffin Parade

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — Village officials have made some changes to the 2020 Halloween season's activities and events due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Most drastically, they canceled the 2020 Ragamuffin Parade, and announced that police will not close down any local roads on Halloween.

However, the Halloween Window Painting program is on, with modifications: registrants will be reserving a specific day and time. Any Pleasantville resident in grades 2 through 8 may participate alone or with a partner. Registration will be online beginning Tuesday, and the rules are already online.

After registration is completed, you will receive an email with the list of the windows you have been assigned. The list will also be posted on the Recreation website.

DAYS & TIMES:

• Thursday 10/22 @ 4pm
• Friday 10/23 @ 4pm
• Saturday 10/24 @ 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
• Sunday10/25 @ 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

The decision not to close local roads on Halloween is in an effort to discourage and avoid large gatherings, village officials said, because the Center for Disease Control recently issued guidance for alternative ways to safely participate in Halloween during the pandemic. Traditional trick-or-treating is considered a high-risk activity, particularly in large groups, and should be avoided.

Village officials said many homeowners have expressed their concern about potential public health threats associated with trick-or-treating this year. The recommendation is that those not seeking to participate should darken outdoor lights and minimize decorations that may serve to attract trick-or-treaters.

As of yesterday, Westchester officials reported 628 active cases in the county with 10 active cases in Pleasantville. Two weeks ago the total active cases in the Westchester was 523 with 6 active cases in Pleasantville. One month ago there were 508 active cases in Westchester with 6 active case in Pleasantville.

The 10 active cases in Pleasantville represents the highest number since May, officials said.