COVID-19 nixing some trick-or-treat plans, but not all
MADISON – While many families will stay in this Halloween to avoid exposure to COVID-19, some local residents said after months of canceled events and holidays, they are looking forward to dressing up and taking their kids trick-or-treating — or trunk-or-treating — this year.
Nikki Wates will be among those participating in the fun with modifications. She plans to set out individually wrapped bags of candy for trick-or-treaters Saturday, but she’ll stay in and avoid the crowds.
“If we see a spike in cases, it can change so many people’s lives,” Wates said. “This is my first year living in a neighborhood where trick-or-treaters are common, so the main thing is I would not be having any contact with them. I’m a high-risk pregnant woman so I do want people to have fun, but also have to prioritize the safety of my family.
“I think there are ways for people to celebrate and still be safe.”
There are plenty of activities planning in the Madison area that have been modified to increase safety.
Toyota Field
A host of Halloween activities will take place at Toyota Field in Town Madison on Friday, October 30th.
Movie Night will feature the 1993 fall film “Hocus Pocus” starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 & under.
In addition, the local Rocket City Wranglers organization will be safely putting on trunk-or-treat – Jeeps will be parked throughout Toyota Field for kids in attendance to receive candy.
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, and concession stands will be open for traditional ballpark fare and even some spooky specialty items.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for trunk-or-treating, and showtime of “Hocus Pocus” is set for 7. Parking is free.
For directions and information on other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.
Insanity Complex
On Halloween, Oct. 31, Insanity Complex at 100 Skate Park Drive will host a drive-through version of the trick-or-treating fun from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot. ‘Nightmare’ is a family-friendly event that the public can attend free.
“Think of it as a trunk-or-treat event, except you don’t even have to leave your car if you don’t want to,” an Insanity Complex spokesperson said. “Drive thru if you dare!”
Insanity Complex’s ghoulish employees encourage all guests to dress up in their best Halloween costumes and decorate their cars in the Halloween spirit, maybe using a special theme or a tribute to a favorite movie or cartoon character. Individuals can enter their car in the “Best Car Costume Contest” for a chance to win a prize.
Spooky Space Spectacular: Daytime Edition
Come dressed as your favorite space explorer, superhero or character and join the fun Saturday, October 31, for Halloween-themed activities, science experiments and, of course, candy!
Other Halloween Events
BOO AT BURRITT
October 30
3 – 5 p.m.
Burritt on the Mountain
3101 Burritt Drive
Admission charged
www.burrittonthemountain.com
Have a historically haunting adventure through Burritt Historic Park and Barnyard! Halloween was celebrated in the southern colonies in the 1800s. Continue the tradition with spooky fun on the mountain.
HALLOWEEN BASH
October 29-30
404 Madison Street
Admission charged, advanced
tickets required
It’s the sixth annual EarlyWorks Halloween Bash where all the little ghosts and ghouls can gather for a touchless, 45-minute trick-or-treating experience! Extra precautions will be taken in order to provide you with a fun and safe environment.
HUNTSVILLE GHOST WALK
Friday and Saturday promptly at 6 p.m..
Harrison Brothers Hardware
124 South Side Square,
Downtown Huntsville
www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com
TRICK OR TREAT PARADE
October 31
2-3 p.m.
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
2211 Seminole Drive
FREE
www.lowemill.art
Load up your vehicle with costumed kids (or grown folks) and roll on through the ‘Trick or Treat Parade’! You and your family are the float and Lowe Mill supplies the goodies. Just imagine a reverse Mardi Gras parade with spookier spectators slinging sweets at you from a safe distance.
TRICK ‘N’ TREES
October 31
Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
www.hsvbg.org/event/trickntrees
At Trick ‘n’ Trees, guests will journey along an interactive story path following the story of The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari, a festive tale of a spooky tree who is determined to be different. Led by the story pages hidden throughout the Garden, guests will enjoy a scavenger hunt of the signs of autumn along with fun fall- and tree-themed activities. You’ll be making a leaf rubbing, creating a “leaf monster,” planting a seed to take home, and even decorating the Garden’s own Halloween Tree! This is an opportunity to celebrate Halloween outdoors at your own pace, all while enjoying the beauty of autumn.
Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed for the occasion and celebrate Halloween at the Garden!
Think Safety
The Alabama Department of Public Health also is encouraging people to take precautions this year.
“There’s nothing scarier than a spike in COVID-19 or increased community transmission,” said ADPH Administrator for the Northern District Judy Smith. “Let’s keep wearing our masks, socially distancing, and leave the frightful moments to our favorite scary movies.”
