Everything had appeared to have aligned for Halloween this year, including its much coveted Saturday arrival complete with the treat of a full moon, the second this month. (The next time this will happen is August of 2023.)
Even Humboldt County’s notoriously tricky weather is looking to be on its best behavior with a clear, crisp night.
But, let’s face it, this Halloween is once in a Blue Moon in more ways than one.
(It is also known a Micro Moon (the opposite of a Supermoon) because this full moon is occurring when the Moon is farthest from the Earth, according to NASA.)
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Public Health is “strongly discouraging” the usual tradition of trick-or-treating to avoid the spread of the potentially deadly virus.
“Trick-or-treating without necessary modifications promotes congregating and mixing of many households, particularly on crowded doorsteps, which can increase the spread of COVID-19,” guidance from the state reads. “That type of mixing is not currently permitted in California.”
That doesn’t mean everything is off the table, however, just maybe not the typical parade of costume-clad children making their way through local neighborhoods.
“Obviously. the idea this year is not to be going home to home and mixing households but there are many other ways we can celebrate as a community, so take a look and think of some things you can do with your children, in your household or with at most two additional households, to celebrate the holiday,” she said.
Here’s a brief sampling of possible alternatives.
For example, there will be a Spooky Plaza Car Parade from 7-9 p.m. at the Arcata Plaza, Ninth and G streets. Arcata Main Street and the city of Arcata is inviting families to dress up, decorate their cars and drive around a spooky decorated plaza in a Halloween car parade.
The city of Eureka is offering a Trick or Treating alternative at Sequoia Park, 20/30 Park or Cooper Gulch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with times slot by age group. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/385558075809167/.
Drive-by Trick-or-Treating will be happening at Old Town & Downtown businesses. Drive down First Street to F Street where treats will be available curbside pickup from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
The CDPH recommends the following safer alternatives for Halloween and Día de los Muertos:
Halloween
Attending car-based outings where people do not leave their car, including drive-in events, contests or movies; driving through an area with holiday displays. (Check out the Journal’s slideshow of some haunts across Humboldt here.)
Creating a haunted house or candy scavenger hunt in your home.
Having a scary movie night and Halloween-themed activities such as pumpkin carving and face painting at home.
Día de los Muertos
Altars — Consider placing and creating an altar in a window or outside so others can view from a safe, social distance.
Cemetery Visits — If planning a visit the cemetery, only visit with those in one’s household, wear masks and maintain appropriate physical distancing. Limit time spent to minimum necessary.
Virtual Altar — Create a virtual space to honor lost loved ones. Share with friends and family via email or social media.
This article appears in ‘Erasure’.
