'Scareborough' Adjusting To COVID-19 In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Scarborough Road in Cleveland Heights is renowned locally for its Halloween festivities, but this year the celebration may look a little different.

Every year, the street's residents erect elaborate and spooky displays to celebrate Halloween. A banner is then hung along the middle of the street rechristening the road, "Scareborough."

The hard work has not gone unnoticed. Residents of Scareborough believe more than 1,000 trick-or-treaters typically visit the street on Halloween. However, COVID-19 still posing a threat to Ohioans, Halloween celebrations will have to take a different tact this year.

Trick-or-treating will be done from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. However, fewer Scareborough residents may be passing out candy this year.

"My family is giving out candy, but will do so differently. In the past, we've stood by the sidewalk and passed out candy from a big bowl so we can see all the costumes up close and talk to all the kids and families that come by. This year we're hoping to set up a big PVC pipe that can act as a socially distanced candy delivery system where we just slide the treats down the pipe into waiting treat bags about 15 feet away. We'll decorate it and make it fun," said Sheryl Banks, a Scareborough resident.

While many residents will still have decorative displays, they may also put out signs that read, "Sorry" or "Welcome" to indicate their participation in trick-or-treating.

"In particular, please look for the sign that says “Sorry,” so you can make the most of the shorter trick-or-treating time," Scareborough residents said on a website addressing COVID-19 challenges.

The street will still be decked out for Halloween, with residents trying to bring a little cheer to an otherwise dismal year.

"We definitely feel like decorations are more important than ever! Kids have lost so much this year: summer camp, parties, festivals, vacations, family get-togethers, time with friends, seeing friends at school — so much has been canceled or curtailed. We want to give them something to enjoy outdoors, and something that makes them feel a bit normal. Plus, even residents who aren't comfortable giving out candy can still participate in the holiday by decorating," Banks said.

Trick-or-treaters are also encouraged to follow CDC and other health agency guidelines on having a healthy and safe Halloween. The Ohio Department of Health issued the following guidance:

• Limit the number of houses you visit
• Have children stay as far from treat-givers as possible
• If you're a parent or guardian, consider holding a collection bag for small children
• Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes when you arrive home (do NOT wipe unpackaged food)
• Allow children to eat only factory-wrapped treat and avoid homemade treats this year
• If a child is at greater risk for COVID-19, speak to your family doctor before trick-or-treating

For households distributing candy:

• Brainstorm safe ways to distribute candy while maintaining social distance (try to avoid using a communal candy bowl for children to dig through)
• Consider placing treats on porch steps or on a table in the driveway and ask children to only take one.
• Consider setting up a hand sanitizing station in your driveway or on your porch
• Consider using a candy "slide" made of PVC pipe to distribute candy

To see the state's full Halloween safety guidance, visit the Ohio Department of Health website.