The City of Dublin, along with other central Ohio municipalities, follows the recommended date set by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). When Halloween, October 31, falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Trick or Treat is held the Thursday prior to October 31. In the event of inclement weather, which is very common this time of year, the recommended date will not change. Parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise good judgment in allowing children to participate. This year, the pandemic plays another factor in that decision with additional health & safety protocols to keep everyone safe.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is a proponent of pedestrian safety and continues to work with the central Ohio communities to promote the importance of safety during Trick or Treat – rain or shine. The MORPC algorithm was developed to provide the most convenient date for families with safety at the forefront. Friday night football games, Saturday football games and Sunday church services have been noted as well.
Some neighborhoods are choosing to plan small Trick or Treat activities to maintain safety during the pandemic this year. Neighborhoods can schedule those on the desired time and day.
We also have some creative City-sponsored events to celebrate Halloween that were scheduled from Tuesday, Oct 27 through the weekend – giving families even more safe/socially distanced ways to enjoy Halloween weekend. These events are on our website: https://dublinohiousa.gov/halloween-spooktacular/
City of Dublin to Hold Trick-or-Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 29
(Dublin, Ohio) — The City of Dublin will proceed with its annual Trick-or-Treat Beggar’s Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020. The City continues to follow Franklin County Public Health’s advice and guidelines as well as best practices from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) regarding Beggar’s Night. Residents are strongly encouraged to follow Governor Mike DeWine’s and the Ohio Department of Health’s recommendations on how to celebrate Halloween responsibly to keep your family, friends and neighbors healthy.
Please keep in mind that attending Trick-or-Treat is a choice that is up to you and your family. The event takes place rain or shine. Heavy rain is in the forecast this year. MORPC is not recommending any changes to the schedule.
Other City of Dublin Spooktacular activities to celebrate Halloween can be found here.
*Please note, this information is subject to change. Please continue to check back for the latest updates.
COVID-19 Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treat:
- Review the Ohio Department of Health’s guidelines.
- Review the Franklin County Public Health’s guidelines.
- Wear a face covering.
- Remain 6 feet away from people who are not from your household.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Use personal hand sanitizer often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
- Limit the number of houses you visit and stay as far away from treat-givers as possible.
- Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes after you arrive home. (Note: Never wipe unpackaged food with wipes.)
- Avoid homemade treats made by strangers.
- Refrain from collecting treats from a bowl/common container.
- Get creative with different ways to pass out candy that allows you to remain 6 feet away from trick-or-treaters. Ideas include: placing a table outside your door and placing treats on the table as children exclaim “trick or treat!,” packaging treats in individual goody bags and placing them on porch steps or on a table in the driveway with a sign asking children to take only one, building a candy “slide” made of PVC pipe or hanging treats from a wall.
- If you or anyone in your household is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before participating in Halloween activities.
Halloween Safety Tips for Kids:
- Trick-or-treat with members of your household or with a trusted adult.
- Walk, don’t run, and stay on sidewalks.
- Look both ways before crossing streets and only cross the street at corners.
- Wear reflective clothing.
- Be sure your costume is not too long. You don’t want to trip or fall.
- Shoes should fit comfortably (even if they don’t match your costume).
- Carry only flexible swords, knives and props.
- Wear a face covering.
- Consider using “face paint” instead of a character mask. If you wear a character mask, be sure you can see out of it clearly.
- Be sure your parents always know where you are going to trick-or-treat and stay in familiar neighborhoods.
- Do not ride a bicycle. Your costume might get tangled in the wheels.
- Keep away from candles and open fires.
- Accept treats only outside of a home. Never go into a house.
- Visit homes that have the porch light on.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Be cautious of animals.
- Let parents check your treats before you eat them.
- Never eat unwrapped candy, opened candy or fruit or homemade treats given to you on Halloween.
Halloween Safety Tips for Parents:
- Make sure your child eats dinner before setting out.
- Children should always carry spare change or a cell phone to call home, if necessary.
- When buying costumes, look for flame retardant material.
Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners:
- Keep your yard well-lit if you plan to pass out treats. Turn your lights off if you won’t be home to discourage children from approaching your property.
- Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip young children.
- Battery-powered jack-o’-lantern candles are preferable to using a real flame.
- If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from trick-or-treaters.
- Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle.
- Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of crackers with cheese,, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins or microwave popcorn.
- For non-food treats try pencils, stickers or plastic toys.
Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers:
- Drive slowly, with caution, all evening.
- Adult Halloween party goers should have a designated driver.
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Media Contact:
Shirley Blaine
Public Information Officer
614.230.4683 – Cell
614.410.4523 – Desk
sblaine@dublin.oh.us
