The city is asking resident goblins, ghouls and ghosts to take a few extra steps this year to have a safe and COVID-free Halloween.
“Halloween is the one day out of the year people actually look forward to wearing masks, so we want residents to celebrate with decorations and trick-or-treating,” said Mayor Mark Peterson. “COVID-19 has taught us it’s generally safe to gather outdoors in small groups wearing masks. We’re just asking everyone to stay safe and healthy.”
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of multiple family-friendly community events throughout the day. These events will be following recommended guidelines around physical distancing, masks, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces:
The Winona Chamber’s Main Street program will host Streets and Treats from 2-6pm downtown, along Third Street between Center and Walnut streets and Lafayette between Second and Third streets. The event will feature a chalk walk scavenger hunt, a Halloween window walk, a haunted graveyard, a mini-pumpkin decorating kit, and more.
The Edge Church and partners will host Trunk or Treat as part of the Streets and Treats event, outside the church at 69 E. Third St.
The city is partnering with Treedome on a Lake Park Drive-In Movie and Music event, featuring Karate Chop, Silence and showing the film “Beetlejuice.” Music starts at 6 pm with the movie at 7:30 pm. Reservations must be made at www.eventbrite.com/o/treedome-31256737227
The Winona Public Library will have a spooky virtual storytime live at 9 a.m. on its Facebook page and website (winona.lib.mn.us, and viewable anytime afterward on Facebook or YouTube.
Residents planning to hand out treats at their homes are asked to:
Provide treats in individually wrapped baggies or bags
Consider building an affordable “candy chute” out of PVC or similar materials
Consider distributing candy on a table in the yard or porch, and disinfect the surface regularly
Chalk sidewalks or use creative markings to create 6-foot physical distancing guidelines if the house is a popular stop
Only allow one individual or small group on the steps or porch at one time
Provide a small table in the yard with sanitizer or wipes
Wear a facemask (if not already in a mask)
Don’t: Provide a large bowl that everyone can touch, invite trick-or-treaters inside
Those planning to trick-or-treat are encouraged to stay in small groups, practice physical distancing, keep masks on as much as possible, carry hand sanitizer and wipes, and limit driving to different neighborhoods if traveling in cars with unrelated children or individuals.
Trick-or-treaters are especially urged to not trade or touch others’ masks or props. COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets that will accumulate on the inside of masks and could spread to costumes and props.
Residents can visit www.halloween2020.org, a national online resource for additional tips and best practices.