By 1808Delaware
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Central Ohio Mayors & Managers Association and Franklin County Township Association have collectively announced their support for trick-or-treat – or “beggar’s night” – activities in celebration of Halloween.
In consultation with area health departments, members of the local government organizations have been participating in shared discussions about whether beggar’s night should proceed and if it can be carried out safely during the COVID-19 health situation.
Following guidance issued by the State of Ohio, Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health and others, communities are planning to go forward with their traditional trick-or-treat activities while asserting that residents follow the best practices recommended by health professionals.
That includes communities in Delaware County.
“For years, many local governments have supported a unified trick-or-treat date for Central Ohio that is based on which day of the week Halloween falls. COVID-19 hasn’t changed this,” MORPC Executive Director William Murdock said. “Like every other year, communities have cooperated to suggest a common trick-or-treat date and time, and parents should use their discretion and good judgment in deciding whether they allow their children to participate.”
“While some community members may choose to participate in alternative activities or none at all, we believe trick or treating can safely take place as long as people avoid large groups and make the extra effort to socially distance,” said Westerville City Manager David Collinsworth, who serves as the chair of the Central Ohio Mayors & Managers Association.
Alternative options in place of traditional trick-or-treating activities were included in the State of Ohio’s Halloween guidance.
“Our local health professionals and local government officials have worked hard to ensure that residents can enjoy these festivities and feel a sense of normalcy in what has been a challenging year,” said Perry Township Trustee Chet Chaney, president of the Franklin County Township Association. “Now it’s up to all of our community members to take responsibility and practice healthy habits as trick or treating takes place.”
The following health department guidelines have been issued, and residents are encouraged to review them well in advance trick-or-treat festivities:
Ohio Department of Health – Celebrating Halloween
Franklin County Public Health – Halloween Guidance 2020
Columbus Public Health – Trick or Treat Safety Tips
Delaware General Health District – Safety Guidelines for Trick-or-Treating
These documents can also be found at morpc.org.
In Delaware County:
- Beggars’ Night in the City of Delaware is Saturday, October 31 from 6-8 PM, rain or shine. Under a theme of “Give Candy, Not Covid,” let’s make sure trick-or-treating can safely happen with some basic precautions.
- Trick or Treat in the city of Powell is from 6-8 PM on Saturday, Oct. 31, rain or shine.
- Westerville’s Trick or Treat will be held on Thursday, October 29 from 6 to 9 PM.
