A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci Regarding Halloween

October, 31, 2020

A Special E-News Message from the Village President, Catherine M. Adduci

October 31, 2020

Dear River Forest Residents,

Halloween During COVID-19

As you prepare your family for Halloween festivities, please be aware of the risks of COVID-19 exposure during trick-or-treating this year. For a full list of guidelines and for more information, please see the “Trick-or-Treating Guidelines” section below.

The Village Board has discouraged trick-or-treating this year and residents are asked to consider alternative ways of celebrating at home with family instead.

However, if you feel it is safe to allow your family to trick-or-treat this year, then we ask that you please be considerate to those residents who have made a decision not to participate.

Trick-or-Treating Guidelines

Trick-or-treating is today from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Parents and residents are responsible for ensuring their families and guests are following the below Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines:

As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.
All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6 feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.
Per Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s recent order, all gatherings must be kept to less than 25 people, including any indoor or outdoor Halloween parties. Remember to wear masks and social distance.
If you come upon a group of children not adhering to the face covering or social distancing requirements, try to avoid calling the Village’s non emergency number but instead talk to the parents.

Downloadable signs are available to put on your front door or other visible location so those who are trick-or-treating know whether your home is participating. Click here for a RED "no trick-or-treaters" sign if you are choosing not to participate this year. Click here for a GREEN "trick-or-treaters are welcome" sign if you decide to pass out candy this year.

Keystone Candy Machine

Father and son duo David and Sam Zimberoff have continued their tradition this year of creating an elaborate and fun candy machine to hand out treats on Halloween. This year’s machine will deliver candy via a cable from the second floor of their home to a witch’s cauldron on the sidewalk below. If you go for a socially distanced walk around town, wear a mask and be sure to stop by the 1100 block of Keystone to marvel at their creation! Thanks David and Sam for lifting our spooky spirits with your creativity!