City Of Falls Church: Halloween Carnival Info And Holiday Safety Tips For Children And Pets

Press release from the City of Falls Church:

October 18, 2021

• Saturday, October 30
• $1 per person, pay cash at the door
• Ages 2 to 11 years old
• Choice of two time slots: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.) -- Everything is outside!
• More details here

The spooky fun for ghouls and goblins ages 2-11 returns this year - at a new time and outdoor location. Two, 2 hour timeslots 1:00-3:00 and 3:30-5:30. Open to all, no specific time for different age groups. Wristbands $1 per person (adults and children), cash only. Carnival activities will include games, inflatables, and snacks. Guests are encouraged to wear a mask and stay home if feeling unwell.

When is Trick-or-Treating in the City of Falls Church?

The City government does not set a date for trick-or-treating. Traditionally, neighbors hand out candy on October 31, no matter the day of the week. Check with your neighbors and homeowners' association to confirm.

COVID-19 Halloween Safety Tips

• Outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Wear a well-fitting mask; a costume mask is not a substitute.
  • Unvaccinated people -- including children younger than 12 years old -- should wear a mask.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
  • You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated -- like children younger than 12 years old.
  • Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• See more holiday safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

• Halloween can be a very scary experience for your pet! For their protection, keep your pet inside on Halloween.
• Pets who are normally very friendly may become frightened by the costumes and confusion and may scratch or bite, or they may escape their house and become lost or injured.
• Pets should have identification in the event they follow their young owners as they “Trick or Treat” and become lost. A dog license, identification tag or micro-chip may be your pet’s only ticket home.
• Animals, especially black cats, can also become victims of cruel pranks.
• Also, remember to never feed your pets Halloween candy, especially chocolate which can be very harmful.

This press release was produced by the City of Falls Church. The views expressed are the author's own.