CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lightfoot and other city officials announced Thursday new and exciting events for Chicagoans to enjoy Halloween this year, while still adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The previously announced ‘Halloweek’, which will take place from Oct. 26-31, will include a reimagined “Arts in the Dark Upside-Down Halloween Parade,” in addition to opportunities to safely trick-or-treat around the city.
Officials said the city’s ‘Halloweek’ guidelines will allow for a responsible celebration taking place over the course of a full week to minimize congregation, while calling on both children and adults to abide by COVID-19 safety precautions that are necessary to keep all of everyone protected and limit the spread of the virus.
“Halloween means so much to our kids, and after so much has been taken away, it’s important for all of us that we still give them something to look forward this October,” said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. “But ’Halloweek’ is about more than just having a week of fun Halloween-related activities, it’s also about us as a city continuing to find new opportunities to come together in healthy and safe ways throughout this unprecedented moment.”
The city is also offering specific guidance on how to trick-or-treat safely, including advising that trick-or-treating groups remain limited to six people or less and that trick-or-treaters stay on the move without congregating – "which means more houses visited and more candy for all," city officials said. People passing out candy are asked to try to socially distance while doing so, perhaps by using a tube or pipe to drop candy into trick-or-treaters’ bags from a distance.
The “Arts in the Dark Upside-Down Halloween Parade,” is reimagined this year and is described a "reverse parade" in which the entertainment is stationery and attendees drive by and watch the visual artists and performers from the safety of their vehicles.
According to the Mayor's Office, each year, the parade, which celebrates Chicago’s diverse communities and cultures, draws close to 100,000 guests, and features artists and performers from world-renowned institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lookingglass Theatre Company, After School Matters, and aspiring artists in every field.
A special Halloween goody bag, courtesy of Blommer Chocolate Company, will await parade-goers at the end. The parade will take place along Washington Park on Oct. 31 from noon-3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to join the visual experience and dress up their cars in “Car-stumes”. Admission is free, but reservations are required. To register visit: https://artsinthedark.com/attend/
“We are very pleased to support Mayor Lightfoot’s plans for a safe celebration of Halloween through our sponsorship of the Arts in the Dark Upside-Down Halloween Parade and the donation of 10,000 candy bags,” said Peter Blommer, CEO of Blommer Chocolate Company. “The Mayor and her team’s effort to re-imagine Halloween in the time of COVID, making it safe, fun and permissible, shows great leadership and creativity. We hope that the Chicago Halloweek festivities serve as an example to cities and families across the US.”
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The Chicago Park District and CPD will also participate in ‘Halloweek’ by providing candy for socially distanced trick-or-treaters. Starting Oct. 26, residents can check with their local park for additional information and locations where candy is available.
Trick-or-treating with CPD will take place at the specific district locations below between 4:30-7:00 p.m.:
• Monday, Oct. 26 - Districts 6, 17, 25
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 - Districts 3, 14, 15
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 - Districts 8, 9, 12
• Thursday, Oct. 29 - Districts 5, 7, 10
• Friday, Oct. 30- Districts 2, 4, 11
• Saturday, Oct. 31 - All districts
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A complete list of Halloween safety guidelines, which are in line with those issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and additional Halloweek events happening across the city can be found at ChicagoHalloweek.org starting on Oct. 18.