There's been a lot of changes during the pandemic, and its looking like Halloween will be no exception.The city of Fernley's annual Halloween Spooktacular event has been approved by the state, as all event plans must be, to ensure they follow COVID-19 guidelines. "We're going the extra mile to protect everybody and if you're not comfortable doing that, you're welcome not to come to the Spooktacular,"said Fernley Mayor Roy Edgington.
The city of Fernley is doing what it needs to do to make their safe-Halloween Spooktacular event, even safer during the pandemic. Three weeks ago, the city sent a plan to the state. The plan was approved. No haunted house, but there will be drive-up trick-or-treating at the city's Out-Of-Town Park, along with additional rules for those who attend. "You have to have a mask and you do need to wear it. You just roll down your windows down and we'll hand you the candy so there's no physical contact," said Mayor Edgington.
For the last 10 years, trick or treating has been face-to-face in city hall. Because of COVID restrictions, they can't do that this year though. So instead, people will drive their cars through the park's entrance on Farm District Road and go behind the baseball field to two lines of 5 stations where volunteers will drop off bags of goodies for the kids. Everyone must stay in the vehicles at all times. "The people at the table come over to the car to hand you a bag of candy, that way there is no interaction or contact. Cars will be spaced out," said Mayor Edgington.
There are restrictions also for the volunteers as well. "I will have an ambulance crew here checking temperatures making sure no one is sick. Volunteers will wear gloves and masks. We will have all the appropriate safety precautions," said Mayor Edgington.
The state's capacity restrictions on gatherings creates an obstacle, Because the event is drive thru though, they won't have to observe that rule. Which is a good because they're expecting more than *2-thousand people this year, like usual. "This is the best we can do this year. It's better than not having it," said Edgington.
Spooktacular trick or treating will be held on Halloween from 4pm-6pm. If you have COVID-19 or are quarantining you are not allowed at the event. But you can contact the city of Fernley for alternatives. Anyone who wants to donate candy or volunteer can contact the city manager's office for details.
The CDC has their own recommendations on the safest way to celebrate Halloween. These include decorating pumpkins at home with people you live with, holding a socially distanced scavenger hunt outside, having a virtual costume contest, or watching movies with those you live with.
