Tricks and treats are back as many are looking forward to a more traditional Halloween this year.
With nearly 64% of Johnson County residents over the age of 12 fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, trunk-or-treats, festivals and parties are back on across Johnson County.
Last year, many Halloween traditions were modified to include coronavirus-related precautions, such as creating treat bags, washing hands and wearing a mask while handing out and receiving treats. Health officials also discouraged large indoor parties or sharing food and drinks.
This year, however, health officials say families who want to trick-or-treat can feel safe doing so — especially for those who are vaccinated — as COVID-19 cases decline. It is an important time of year for children, so families should go out there and enjoy it, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious diseases expert, said earlier this month while also encouraging people to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says outdoor activities are safer for the holidays, and to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. If you attend a party inside, the agency says people who aren’t vaccinated — including children who aren’t yet eligible for the shots — should wear a well-fitting mask, not just a Halloween costume mask. In areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, even the fully vaccinated should wear masks inside.
However, you should not put a mask on a child under 2 years old, the CDC says.
Johnson County parents can make sure trick-or-treaters stay safe by following recommended safety tips. Trick-or-treaters should make sure they cross streets at corners and crosswalks, but not between cars. Kids should wear a bright, easily-seen costume, said Sheriff Duane Burgess.
Trick-or-treaters should also avoid long costumes that can cause tripping; carry a flashlight or other light source; be aware that masks can obstruct vision; throw away unwrapped candy; and stay away from homes on the county’s sex offender registry. The registry can be found at JohnsonCountySheriff.com, Burgess said.
Communities throughout Johnson County, as well as the county itself, have established trick-or-treat hours to maximize safety. The established hours are not done to tell people when to go trick-or-treating, but rather when there will be a higher police presence for trick-or-treating, Burgess said.
“A lot of agencies give out candy (and) we have extra cars out,” Burgess said. “We want it to be safe for kids while trick-or-treating — safe and fun.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Trick-or-treat hours
Here’s when and where you can trick-or-treat on Sunday:
Johnson County: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Bargersville: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Edinburgh: 5 to 7 p.m.
Franklin: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Greenwood: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
New Whiteland: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Prince’s Lakes: 5 to 8 p.m.
Trafalgar: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Whiteland: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Source: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Halloween events snapshot
Here’s a look at other Halloween events happening this weekend:
Edinburgh Halloween Festival
What: Edinburgh’s annual festival will take place inside Edinburgh Community High School due to weather concerns this year. Trunk or Treat will take place at the top of the main gym, with food being served out of the concession area. Bounce houses and games will take place in the auxiliary gym.
When: 5 p.m. Friday
Where: Edinburgh Community High School, 300 Keeley Street, Edinburgh.
More Information: fb.me/e/l743A6C5S
Spooktacular Trunk or Treat
What: A Franklin schools event, the trunk or treat will feature music, games, prizes, costumes and safe trick or treating for children. It will be a safe, fun experience for children and is a way to support Franklin Community High School choirs and the musical.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Franklin Community High School Performing Arts Center Parking Lot, 2600 Cumberland Drive, Franklin.
Cost: $8 per child
Trunk-or-Treat
What: The Center Grove Innovation Center will be holding is annual trunk-or-treat, with over 20 themed trunks worth of candy and goodies, and the opportunity to explore special vehicles.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 2789 Trojan Lane, Greenwood.
Trick or Treat at Kelsay Farms
What: An event where families can trick or treat through a corn maze! Those who come to the farm dressed in costume receive $1 off admission.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kelsay Farms, 6848 North County Road 250 East, Whiteland.
More Information: fb.me/e/1Q2f5Guf8
Porchtober
What: An event that “combines the spirit of Halloween with the historic homes of downtown Franklin,” according to the Creative Council of Franklin, which is putting on the event. It will feature local artists, musicians and performers. Along with treats and other surprises, the event will feature a beer garden with beer and wine for sale for the first time.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Franklin
Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, and 13 and under can get in for free.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to: creativecouncilfranklin.org/events/porchtober/
Halloween Parade
What: A community parade featuring Halloween or fall-themed floats from local organizations, clubs, businesses, schools and other groups. Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear costumes along the route.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Greenwood. The parade will follow this route:
Washington Street from Craig Park north to Main Street
Main Street west to Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue south to Surina Way
Surina Way east to Craig Park
More Information: greenwood.in.gov
Trunk or Treat
What: Families are invited to dress up in costumes and see decorated car trunks and get lots of candy for kids at Bargersville’s free Trunk or Treat event.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bargersville Town Hall, 24 North Main Street, Bargersville.
More Information: townofbargersville.org/event/trunk-or-treat-20211030/
