How To Trick-Or-Treat Safely In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Halloween will have a much different feel in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trick-or-treating in large groups and hosting parties are against recommendations, but some people have found creative ways to keep the spirit of the annual Oct. 31 holiday.

Trick-or-treating is on in Buffalo Grove. If you and your family decide to take part in trick-or-treating anyway, the Village has established the following guidelines:

• Trick-or-treat hours are from 3–7 p.m.
• A costume mask does not take place of a face cover.
• Do not trick or treat at homes that do not have their porch light on, or a sign stating that the residence is not participating in trick-or-treating.
• Trick-or-treat with household members only.
• Wait for other groups to leave a home before approaching.

The Buffalo Grove Police Department will be patrolling as usual; however, both Police and Fire will not hand out treats due to the risk of COVID-19 spread. Please respect your neighbors who decide to trick-or-treat, as well as those who choose to refrain from participating in this activity.

Unlike St. Patrick’s Day, when the pandemic was just a few days old, Halloween enthusiasts have had time to prepare for different kinds of celebrations this year.

Building a candy chute has been touted as a fast and fairly simple way to ensure trick-or-treaters can get the sweets without contact.

An Arlington, Virginia, woman told the Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate she bought a PVC pipe, had the kids paint it orange and black, decorated it and attached it to the porch.

Transforming a front yard into a candy graveyard and holding a Halloween egg hunt are among 14 other ideas for low-contact trick-or-treating shared by Fun365, a website that offers party, wedding and classroom ideas.

Lower-risk activities recommended by the CDC include carving pumpkins, decorating the house, having a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt and a virtual costume contest.

"If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters," the CDC states.

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