By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
With a number of events canceled or postponed this year due to the pandemic, the Chamber of Commerce is organizing what it hopes is a safe and orderly trick or treating event downtown on Halloween.
“A lot of businesses are super-excited, and for young people it’s something to look forward to and a safe way for us to do Halloween,” Rachel Roy, Chamber of Commerce executive director, said Thursday.
But she said it won’t look like the traditional free-for-all, street fair-type event that has been sponsored for years by businesses and donors, and the Chamber. The event traditionally has drawn hundreds of kids and adults wandering up and down Lincoln Street, in costumes or street clothes, trick or treating at stores; and visiting with each other as they check out costumes.
Roy said she worked with members of Unified Command on safety measures, including closure of the street to traffic as usual, one-way foot traffic up and down the street, with dividers down the middle; longer hours (3 to 6 p.m.) to disperse the crowds; and masks required. (Unified Command is a group of representatives from various sectors coordinating the local response to the pandemic.)
Roy also kept her eye on Sitka’s COVID alert level in making a final decision this week to hold the event.
“We’re down to a low level, from a moderate level,” she said. “If we kept growing (in active COVID cases), and schools closed, and were distance-only, that would have been a factor in moving forward.”
Downtown trick-or-treaters in 2019 sport half-masks that were a novelty at the time. This year the annual event will take place with the recommendation that everyone participating follows the CDC guidelines and wears a proper COVID-19 mask. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
A Unified Command member said Roy approached the group to discuss the possibilities and precautions at the regular Wednesday meeting about a month ago. They gave her suggestions, and agreed that such an event could be held, if everyone followed the rules and crowds could be dispersed.
Roy said she hopes participants follow standard COVID precautions, such as following the face covering requirement and physical distancing, so the event can be carried out safely.
“It’s an outdoor event, and it’s a local event – we’re keeping it within the community,” Roy said. She noted the recommendations of the CDC for six-foot physical distancing and guidance on Halloween related to masks:
“Do not use a costume mask (such as for Halloween) as a substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers your mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around your face.”
CDC advises the public not to wear a costume mask over a cloth mask “because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breath. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.”
Details are still being worked out, and volunteers are needed to encourage a smooth flow of one-way traffic, in the direction of vehicular traffic. She’s also sensitive to the costs – and the rough year suffered by many due to COVID – and welcomes donations by the public to help cover the event.
Candy donations may be dropped off at the Visitor Information Center at 104 Lake Street during business hours; cash donations may be sent to the same address, with checks made out to “Sitka Chamber.” The Chamber also has official “sponsorships” of the event from “King Size ($500),” “Fun Size ($250)” and “Mini ($100).”
Roy said she expects the turnout to be somewhat limited, with many families choosing to stay home to reduce their risk to the virus. But she said the Chamber felt it was important to at least look into whether it was a possibility to have the event with precautions.
“I met with Unified Command, and they provided advice on how we could do it,” Roy said.
The trick or treating area is between the Lake and Lincoln Street intersection, down Lincoln street to Katlian Street.
Roy sent out an email, inviting businesses to participate in some way, including through hosting a pop-up candy stand on Lincoln Street; donating bags of wrapped candy at the Chamber center at 104 Lincoln Street by October 27.
She wrote: “We ask that those handing out candy use gloves and wear face coverings. Those who may have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.”
City Administrator John Leach said the same general guidance related to COVID-19 should continue.
“Continue to be good neighbors, continue to follow mitigation measures,” he said. “The Chamber has extended the event by an hour, and we’re asking people to spread out a little bit and maintain spacing as much as possible.”
The fire hall has general safety guidelines for Halloween, including bright clothing and lights, and for drivers to keep an eye out for children who are trick or treating.
Roy said those with questions may call her at 747-8604.
