In years past, young mother Tareasa Waits passed out candy to eager trick-or-treaters without a second thought. This year, she’s taking extra precautions to keep her distance.
“I am going to wear gloves and a mask while handing out candy,” said Waits.
“And I know he will wear a mask and gloves as well,” said Waits of her 6-year-old son.
“I feel pretty good about it. If you use common sense, I think it can still be an enjoyable experience,” Waits said.
Waits is also going the extra mile to enforce social distancing measures by strategically placing decorations near her front door so trick-or-treaters can’t get too close.
However, Waits’ feelings are not shared by all.
Cole Veeder, father of a 6-year-old, says he is worried. His daughter, Julian, shared his viewpoint.
“I’m scared of the virus; I don’t wanna get sick. I just want candy,” said the 6-year-old.
Despite their worries, the Veeders are still going to trick-or-treat.
“I’ll make her wear a mask. I think it’s important to her mental health,” said Veeder.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies traditional trick-or-treating as a high-risk activity.
Crowded costume parties, trunk-or-treating, and hayrides are also listed as high-risk activities on the CDC website.
In lieu of these risky in-person events, local businesses are hosting virtual and socially distanced events to keep the spooky season fun.
“Spooky Movies at the Drive-In,” hosted by Discover Burien, has three more showings that are sure to send chills down your spine.
Scream starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. And don’t miss The Sixth Sense at 7 p.m. and Night of the Living Dead at 10 p.m. on Halloween.
Tickets to “Spooky Movies at the Drive-In” can be found at: https://www.discoverburien.org/boo-in-burien-2020
Discover Burien is also holding a costume and yard-decorating contest where winners will be featured at the Drive-In.
To enter, upload a photo to the Discover Burien Facebook with the hashtag #Boo2020. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. on Halloween.
The Commons at Federal Way wants you to join them for a Facebook costume contest too, where winners could win a $100 gift card. Link to the contest here: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsatfederalway/posts/10158703931399437
If costume contests aren’t your thing, don’t despair, stop by Federal Way Fire Station 63 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to get a sweet treat from their specially made candy chute.
Want to learn about what a bat’s favorite treat is? Pre-register for “Creatures of the Night,” a free virtual program from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Creatures of the Night will be approximately 45 minutes long with a showing at 3:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m.