City of Durham recently issued the following announcement.
Durham Announces Halloween Safety Guidelines
Mayor Steve Schewel shared Halloween safety guidelines for the Durham community based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in a press conference on Tuesday, October 6. Because of COVID-19, traditional activities like trick-or-treating, indoor events, and large gatherings are strongly discouraged, and considered high risk.
During the press conference, Mayor Schewel said, "Durham residents have done a great job suppressing the coronavirus, wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands. We've kept our virus count low, and the last thing we want is for Halloween to become a super-spreader event in our community."
NCDHHS issued guidance for having a safe Halloween which urges local governments to take any necessary precautions to keep our residents safe and healthy. Durham’s local guidance incorporates these recommendations of NCDHHS.
Neighborhoods and residents can still find many ways to celebrate with virtual, drive-through, and contact-free activities such as Halloween decorations, virtual costume contests, scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving, and movies at home. Face coverings should be worn during any activity where social distancing is not possible, and most Halloween masks are not considered to be a substitute for a cloth face mask.
In light of COVID-19, Durham Parks and Recreation Department has reimagined its holiday events and will offer a variety of fun contact-free activities throughout October - view details below.
- View Durham Halloween safety guideline FAQs and press conference
Participants Will Enjoy Tricks, Treats, Movies and More From The Comfort Of Their Vehicle or Home!
Amid COVID, Halloween will look a little different in Durham this year. Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host several contact-free Fall Festival and Halloween events in October.
DPR will follow the social distancing protocols provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as participants enjoy virtual events as well as fun filled drive-through experiences from the comfort of their home or vehicle.
At the drive-through events, masks are not required but those attending the movie on the lawn will be required to wear a mask. A costume mask should not be used as a substitute for a cloth mask unless made of two or more breathable fabric covering the mouth and nose. Also, costume masks should not be placed over a cloth mask as it will make it hard to breathe. Instead, it is suggested that participants use a Halloween-themed cloth mask over the costume mask.
The events are free with the exception of the virtual events which have a small fee, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register early. Children, teens, parents, and/or guardians will enjoy tricks and treats at the events listed below:
Fright Night (Drive-through event)
Friday, October 23, 6-9 p.m.
Pineywood Park, 400 E. Woodcroft Parkway
City Resident: $1.50 | Non-City Resident: $6.50
Ghosts and ghouls will enjoy an evening that is sure to have them howling with screams and laughter. Participants can dress in their Halloween attire and enjoy drive-through trunk-or-treat, haunted drive-through trail, and a socially distanced movie on the lawn. The movie playing will be James and the Giant Peach.
Vamp it Up - Ages 2-5 (Virtual event)
Friday, October 30, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom event with supplies provided for pick-up at Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 W. Murray Ave.)
Friendly vampires, ghosts, and goblins are invited to a virtual costume party. Participants can dress in their Halloween best and enjoy some spectacular games, crafts, and fun. Supplies will be provided by contactless pick-up at Edison Johnson Recreation Center on Friday, October 23.
Trick or Treat Stay 6 Feet (Drive-through Event)
Friday, October 30, 6-8 p.m.
Holton Career and Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.
Participants will enjoy a fun filled evening that will include free candy and treats.
Hallow-Eno (Drive-through Event)
Saturday, October 31, 6-9 p.m.
West Point on the Eno, 5101 N. Roxboro St.
Durham's 32nd Annual Hallow-Eno will be a fun event for the entire family! Participants will enjoy a drive-through style event that includes Halloween decorations along the Park Loop, trick-or-treat activity stations, and live Halloween music from the comfort and safety of their vehicle.
Full Moon Fever Bike Ride - Halloween/Blue Moon Ride
Saturday, October 31, 2020, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Two starting times and locations
Experience the American Tobacco Trail at night at our Full Moon Fever Bike Ride with the Durham Community Trail Watch group! The ride has two starting times and locations.
7:30 p.m. - First Ride Start Time (32 miles)
Meet in front of Mellow Mushroom (410 Blackwell Street) in downtown Durham and ride down the American Tobacco Trail and meet the second group at 8:30 p.m. in front of Bean Traders (105 W North Carolina 54).
8:30 p.m.- Second Ride Start Time (16 miles)
Meet in front of Bean Traders (105 W North Carolina 54) on Hwy 54 at Fayetteville Street, and ride to the New Hope Church Road Trailhead, and then turn around.
Dias de los Muertos - Ages 3-5 (Virtual Event)
Monday, November 2, 2020, 10-11 a.m.
Zoom event with supplies provided for pick-up at Edison Johnson Recreation Center (500 W. Murray Ave.)
City Resident: $1.50 | Non-City Resident: $6.50
Dias de Los Muertos is a lively Mexican holiday designed to celebrate family members' life and memory. Participants will learn about this tradition on zoom through music, crafts, and treats. Supplies will be provided at a contactless pick-up at Edison Johnson Recreation Center on Thursday, October 29.
Visit DPR online for more details or to register for an event.
About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.
Original source: https://durhamnc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2617
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