Halloween Trick or Treating During Covid – some Oakland County communities are releasing their stances and guidelines toward what Halloween night will look like this year in Metro Detroit due to the pandemic.
Even during normal years there are questions about policies from city to city regarding Trick or Treating on Halloween Night. Each year, for the past 12 years or so, we research Oakland County communities, websites etc to find out what each city does, if anything, in regards to how they handle Halloween. Little in 12 years has changed. We even call City Clerks and administrators. Some cities have “suggested” or “recommended” hours for Trick or Treating, some have no guidelines. Some communities use their weather alert sirens to start Trick or Treating at a certain time (usually 6p) and sound the siren at another time (usually 7p or 8p) to signify an end. But, again, these are just “suggested” and meant to be friendly reminders and not the “law of the land”.
OAKLAND COUNTY TRICK OR TREAT HOURS 2020
This year, even due to covid, Oakland County Trick or Treat hours and policies won’t change outside of extra safety reminders. Judging by early statements from local city officials, they’re even going out of their way to proclaim that it’s up to individual households to decide what happens on Halloween. Here the following statements we’ve received so far.
Oakland County Executive David Coulter’s October 14 newsletter contains a curious statement – “Please check in your community to if trick or treating will be permitted this year and if it’s still on”. I have no idea what he’s suggesting as to if a community can cancel trick or treating or how that might be enforced. Maybe it’s just his way of saying, “it’s not up to me what you do”?
Halloween Trick or Treating During Covid / Hours & Policies 2020
OAKLAND COUNTY (OakGov.com) 10/14/20
“Halloween is just around the corner and many communities are preparing for the arrival of ghosts and goblins. Please check in your community to if trick or treating will be permitted this year and if it’s still on, here are a few reminders to keep everyone safe:
- Wear a mask/cloth face covering when social distancing is not possible.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from those who are not your household members, especially while talking, eating, drinking and singing.
- Consider leaving individual bags of candy on the doorstep to limit contact with other people.
- Distribute candy on a disinfected table positioned between you and trick-or-treaters.
- Consider handing out candy in an open space (ex., on your driveway) where social distancing is easier.
- Don’t hand out candy if you are sick.
- Use duct tape to mark 6-foot lines in front of your home and leading to driveway/front door.
- For a complete list of tips for a safe Halloween, review the Halloween Safety guidelines from the Oakland County Health Division and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).”
BIRMINGHAM HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING
“The City received inquires regarding whether or not Halloween will take place this year. Halloween is not a City sanctioned event, but rather a nationally recognized holiday. If you prefer that trick-or-treaters do not approach your home, the City recommends turning your porch light off. Those who do participate in Halloween are encouraged to follow safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
BRIGHTON TRICK OR TREATING 10/22/20
“The City of Brighton does not endorse or regulate Halloween, other than the tradition of setting the recommended hours of 6pm-8pm, for Trick or Treating within the City. With all of this in mind, IF you do choose to participate in Halloween from either a Trick or Treating standpoint or by giving out candy to the kids, we ask you to do it in the sagest possible manner.”
FARMINGTON TRICK OR TREATING 10/22/20
“If you prefer that trick-or-treaters not approach your home, the City recommends turning your porch light off. For those who want to celebrate, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage for tips for how to do so safely. The City does not regulate trick-or-treating.”
FERNDALE TRICK OR TREATING 10/22/20
“However you decide to spend Halloween this year, the Ferndale Fire and Police Departments want to make sure you do so safely. On top of the traditional Halloween safety measures, please be mindful of your health and the health of those around you. As a reminder, the City does not have designated Trick-or-Treat hours—please be safe, be smart, be a good neighbor, and have fun!”
SOUTH LYON HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING
“Halloween is a nationally recognized holiday. The City does not have any authority to cancel Halloween or restrict others from participating in the festivities. Anyone who desires to participate in Halloween activities should adhere to public health recommendations. Please be safe.”
BERKLEY HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING 10/1/20
“The way we celebrate Halloween in Michigan will be different this year due to COVID-19. Check out some of these recommendations on Halloween trick-or-treating below from the CDC and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. You can also learn more at www.halloween2020.org.”
HOLLY HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING 10/1/20
“We understand that there have been many questions about the Village’s Halloween plans. We want to make known that Trick-or-Treating has never been a Village sponsored event, since Halloween is not a government holiday. However, the Village of Holly Police Department will provide the same staffing levels as in previous years on October 31st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, which is the traditional time for trick-or-treating in the Village. If residents chose to participate in Trick- or-Treating, we hope they will follow all Covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines.”
VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE TRICK OR TREATING 10/1/20
“Halloween and trick-or-treating is not a Village sanctioned event, but rather a nationally recognized holiday that occurs on October 31st. Other than announcing the suggested trick-or-treating hours (always 6:00 pm – 8:30 p.m.) so that it keeps some sense of order with the increased amount of pedestrian traffic that evening, the Village has no legal authority or basis to cancel Halloween and trick-or-treating or to restrict the free movement of its residents.”
NORTHVILLE TRICK OR TREATING 10/8/20
“While the City of Northville has no legal authority over the trick or treating aspect, City Council has discussed keeping that day and night low-key in the downtown area. Designated hours in the City for trick or treating are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., although neighborhoods must decide for themselves whether to hold this traditional activity or offer kids another alternative. The Fire Station will sound its siren at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. as it does every Halloween. If trick or treating does occur in various neighborhoods, children should be told not to go to houses that don’t have a light on.”
OXFORD TWP TRICK OR TREATING (10/22)
“At its Oct. 14 regular meeting, in a 6-1 vote, the Oxford Township Board of Trustees approved the trick-or-treating time for Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31). The door-to-door hunt for sweet treats and other goodies will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. in the township. Oxford Village has the same trick-or-treating time.”
SYLVAN LAKE TRICK OR TREATING (10/26/20)
“We are suggesting masks be worn by the kids and adults.
We are encouraging houses that want to pass out candy to set up a table at the edge of your driveway.
Lots of entryways are narrow and make safe distancing impossible.
We are encouraging those passing out candy to wear gloves or use tongs to place the candy in the bags or baskets.
You do not have to participate in either handing out Halloween treats, or accepting Halloween treats.
If you are not comfortable handing out treats, everybody will understand. Turn your porch/outdoor lights off. If you don’t think there are enough precautions, social distancing, etc. at a particular house, skip it.”
WATERFORD TWP TRICK OR TREATING 10/14/20
“Waterford residents have requested guidance related to the upcoming Halloween holiday and guidelines for safely celebrating with concerns related to COVID-19.
County, State and Federal agencies have released tips and guidelines to help homeowners, parents & trick-or-treaters, and those wishing to attend gatherings stay safe this Halloween.
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year.
Waterford Township’s suggested start time for those who wish to participate in optional trick-or-treat activities is 6p.
Those wishing to hand out goodies to trick-or-treaters typically leave their porch lights on to indicate they are participating in the festivities.”
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HALLOWEEN EVENTS 2020
This page is intended to be used as a guide. Oakland County Moms does not endorse these events. Oakland County Moms is not responsible for changes to event descriptions, event times or details being altered without notice or cancellations.
For more info on Halloween Trick or Treating during Covid safety guidelines, visit www.halloween2020.org.
