PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia park is working to give kids a special Halloween treat in the midst of the pandemic when things may be pretty scary for them. It's trick or treating with a twist.
In most years, during Halloween, kids in the Cobbs Creek section of Philadelphia can be seen dressed as tiny ghosts and ghouls parading up and down the streets collecting candy.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic going on, some are putting their usual celebrations on pause.
"In this neighborhood, Halloween is a very big deal," said Tony Croasdale, site director at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center. He said they don't want kids from the neighborhood or across the city to miss out on trick or treating, so they're hosting a special event.
"It's a COVID-19 outdoor trick or treating alternative," he revealed.
Croasdale said during the socially distanced event on Halloween, staff will have on PPE for their contactless candy drops.
"They're walking on the trail that's in the woods along the creek," he explained. "We'll have 10 or so stations where candy will be distributed."
Croasdale said there will also be a socially distanced story time and other activities.
"The park is actually quite safe, and we encourage people to come and use the park. So if we get people in the park exposed to nature hopefully they'll come back for other events, or just on their own," he said.
People are encouraged to register online for the event.
Croasdale added staff will also distribute free PPE for those who may not have any.