During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people’s sense of ‘normality’ have been lost due to the unexpected and unfamiliar change to their daily lives. School, work and everyday life is drastically different compared to the beginning of the year. While face masks and social distancing have now been implemented, traditions for holidays are still happening—just in a different way.

While Halloween will look different this year, it is still going on. The city of Marquette has issued guidelines that are recommended to follow for those who are planning to go trick-or-treating or passing out candy. Not only will these guidelines help keep everyone safe but still make it possible to have some fun for Halloween.

“Trick-or-treating is not cancelled; however, we strongly recommend residents adhere to

safe practices as defined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control when trick-or-treating or distributing candy,” the city of Marquette said.

Those city issued guidelines include:

• Stay home if you or a member of your household is sick or has symptoms of COVID-19.
• Only participate in one-way trick-or-treating. Explain it to your trick-or-treaters that this is safer than traditional trick-or-treating.
• “One-way trick-or-treating” is where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard).
• Talk with your children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations.
• Trick-or-treat only with the people you live with.
• Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
• Wear a face mask covering both your mouth and nose. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Only go to houses with safety measures in place.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol, especially before eating or after coughing/sneezing, and as soon as you return home.

The city of Marquette would like to remind everyone that it is okay to choose to opt out of participating in trick-or-treating this year. If you are not participating, the city of Marquette asks to turn off your porch light and consider posting a sign that way trick-or-treaters can respect your wishes.

“We would like to encourage anyone who is participating to turn on their porch light to help differentiate between houses that are and are not participating,” the city of Marquette said.

For those in the Marquette community who are participating in trick-or-treating this year with children and looking for something fun to do, the NMU Greek Council will be hosting the Trunk or Treat event on Halloween.

COVID-19 guidelines that will be implemented for this event include no hand-to-hand contact with trick-or-treaters, those who are distributing candy must wear gloves and face masks and shields must be worn at all times.

The Trunk or Treat event will be held in the PEIF parking lot from 4-6 p.m. this Halloween and will provide a safe and fun experience for children. Anna Watson, junior public relations major and special events coordinator for the Center for Student Enrichment, said that the event will be held via drive thru only to minimize the risk of contact. 

“When families get to each car, the drivers will be given a baggie of candy for each child in the car,” Watson said. “Again, we ask that families wear their mask the entire time during the drive through.”

In addition to trunk-or-treating, the event will have a food drive for the NMU Food Pantry where you can donate to help the NMU community.

“There will be a car at the end or beginning with an NMU Food Pantry Sign where you can donate any non-perishable food items along with other necessities such as toiletries, hygiene products and paper towels and toilet paper,” Watson said. “Anything and everything will be appreciated and will go to help the NMU community.”

If you are a part of a group organization and plan on passing out candy at the event, you will need to register at: https://thehub.nmu.edu/SECommittee/survey?survey_uid=c39bc4c8-0f0e-11eb-8b7c-0ed0b84bd193 by Friday, Oct. 30, to be able to participate. Cars can have a maximum of two people present to distribute candy, however groups can register as many cars as they would like.

While the city of Marquette and NMU is doing everything possible to have safe and fun activities this Halloween for those who are interested in participating; those who are still unsure about going out can check out halloween2020.org for some alternative choices instead of going out.

According to the map, Marquette county is in the red zone. Some activities that those in the red zone can participate in are Zoom parties with family and friends, scavenger hunt house, costume dinner and much more. 

No matter what you decide to do, remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines and stay safe. Wear your mask, social distance and remember to have fun. While this Halloween will not be exactly like what we’ve seen in the past, it can still be something to remember.