Chattanooga Families See Trick-or-Treating As Way To Bring Back Normalcy For Kids

Chattanooga Families See Trick-or-Treating As Way To Bring Back Normalcy For Kids

After months of Pandemic anxiety, it appears that many parents are in a mood to celebrate with their children this Halloween.

Many Chattanoogan parents view Halloween 2020 as an opportunity to escape from the stresses brought about by COVID-19 – the closures, economic doldrums, the controversies.

“People are excited for a little sense of normalcy, ” a local parent said.

Another Chattanoogan parent said, “So much has been taken from our kids this year – classes cut short, sports cancelled, summer camps cancelled. I refuse to take away the joy of trick-or-treating from my kids.”

Many parents that are choosing not to venture out with their children this Halloween plan to partake in Facebook costume contests, pumpkin-carving contests and the like with their children.

Chattanooga Tourist Attractions also show an interest in a return to normalcy with no closures planned for their Halloween-themed events with Dread Hollow, Chattanooga Ghost Tours, The Tennessee Aquarium, The Chattanooga Zoo and Escape Experience Chattanooga all offering special events on and around Halloween.

It is also worth noting that just in time for Halloween, the night sky will be lit by a rare blue moon that only happens about once every 2 1/2 years.

The attitude of Chattanoogan parents appears to be Nationwide. Despite concerns of bans and enforced guidelines, Halloween candy sales are booming. U.S. Sales are up by 13% over last year, according to data from a market research firm IRI and the National Confectioners Association. Sales of Halloween chocolate alone are up by 25%.

Chattanooga has not attempted a ban on trick-or-treating yet, like many other cities in the U.S. have with varying degrees of success. Cities like Springfield, Massachusetts and Antigo, Wisconsin have cancelled trick-or-treating for 2020. And large Halloween events at locations like Disney World and Salem, Massachusetts have also been called off.

The Hamilton County Health Department states that trick-or-treating is a high risk activity due to close proximity to other people.

In addition, the Health Department just released its new COVID-19 guidelines for Halloween activities this year.

The guidelines include:

• Costume masks do not replace the wearing of cloth masks unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose, leaving no gaps around the face
• Treats given out to trick-or-treaters should be prepacked and sealed
• Parties and Haunted Houses are discouraged
• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is asked to not leave home

The Health Department urges people to partake in low-risk Halloween activities at home, but discourages parties in any setting.