Marblehead Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Hours Set For 2021

MARBLEHEAD, MA — As Marblehead families take to the streets Sunday night for trick-or-treating, Police Chief Dennis King has issued some advisories to make the holiday fun and safe for all amid the waning coronavirus health crisis.

Trick-or-treat hours have been set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday night. Those households who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their porch and other exterior lights during these hours. Trick-or=treaters are asked to respect those homeowners who do not have lights on and not trespass on their property.

Marblehead police advise all costumes should be fire-resistant, should not impair vision and for parents to either tape reflective tags to the costume if out after dark (about 6 p.m.) or make sure children are walking with a flashlight or glow sticks.

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Drivers are reminded to be watchful for children — especially those in dark clothing and in unexpected locations — especially around dusk and dark, and are advising inexperienced drivers to stay off the roads during the trick-or-treat window.

The Marblehead Police Department still urges all residents to take precautions against COVID-19.

Anyone who feels unwell, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and refrain from Halloween activities.

Those out are asked to wear a face mask or covering, observe good hygiene and use hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your face and maintain social distancing from those not in your household.

Those handing out treats should avoid using a community bowl and instead hand out small individual bags, wear a face covering while handing out treats and wash hands before and after handing out candy.

Children should be told not to enter the house or car of anyone they do not know well at all times, but keeping interactions outdoors even among friends and neighbors is especially important this year as coronavirus cases continue to be detected in town.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)