CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Get your jack-o’-lanterns and broomsticks ready, Chicago, because Halloweek is on its way.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and city departments announced Tuesday the return of Halloweek, which promotes safe ways to celebrate Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic and brings a full week of Halloween-related activities across the City of Chicago.
This year, the guidance emphasizes social distancing and other safety precautions while allowing trick-or-treating and other activities between Oct. 23 to Oct. 30.
Halloweek activities kick off Oct. 23 with the UPSIDE DOWN Parade in Washington Park from noon to 3 p.m. in Washington Park and conclude on Oct. 30 with the return of Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on State Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the Mayor's Office, Halloweek is one of the many parts of My CHI. My Future., an initiative launched in 2020 by Mayor Lightfoot that connects youth to safe and engaging opportunities during out-of-school time.
"Throughout this pandemic, we have learned that we can be open and do the things we love while staying safe," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot, in a statement. "That is why I am thrilled to kick off our 2021 Halloweek celebration as part of My CHI. My Future. in conjunction with CDPH and our community partners. Beginning October 23, we're offering a weeklong celebration of trick-or-treating and other activities that our children and families can once again enjoy. As we celebrate this holiday in a reimagined way, I want to remind everyone that this wouldn't be possible without masking, social distancing, and most importantly vaccinations."
Starting Oct. 11, residents can download a Halloweek toolkit complete with safety messaging and signage to notify people they are safely participating in Halloween. The city is requesting those passing out candy leave a light on or hang a Halloween sign in their windows to let others know their residence is giving out candy safely.
Additionally, the Chicago Department of Public Health is offering specific guidelines on how to celebrate and trick-or-treat safely, including the following:
• Masks are recommended for unvaccinated people trick-or-treating outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible
• Trick-or-treating groups should remain small, and those trick-or-treating should stay on the move without congregating
• People passing out candy must wear a mask, socially distance, and use hand sanitizer while doing so
"We are so proud of how far our city has come in regards to COVID-19, and we are excited to celebrate Halloween safely once again in 2021,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., in a statement. “We have done a fantastic job as a city mitigating the effects of the Delta variant, and we aim to keep our numbers low as we head deeper into Fall."
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The City has several planned events and activities for Halloweek:
• The Chicago Park District with support from sponsors Mars Wrigley and Xfinity, the Chicago Police Department, The Chicago Public Library among others will help residents celebrate ‘Halloweek on the Block’ with eleven pop-ups on residential streets throughout Halloweek.
• The Chicago Park District will host virtual and in-person programming throughout the week from Oct. 23 to Oct. 30, including the Campfire Horror Movie Series. Residents will enjoy Halloween themed treats and giveaways from Mars Wrigley and Xfinity at various events, while supplies last.
• Blommer Chocolate Company is creating 10,000 Halloween bags filled with candy and other goodies to help Chicagoans celebrate safely, which will be distributed at Halloweek activities and events. There will also be “golden tickets” hidden in select bags. Winners will receive an exclusive 10 lb. Blommer Chocolate bar.
• Chicago businesses and organizations are asked to visit ChicagoHalloweek.org to register their COVID-safe Halloween activities. Starting on Oct. 8, the website will feature a searchable list of all Halloweek programming happening across the city and will continue to be updated throughout the month of October
• Residents are encouraged to upload their Halloween costume pictures on Chicagohalloweek.org and Instagram for a chance to win a 10-pound Blommer Chocolate bar.
The City of Chicago is grateful to all our City Departments and partners who will help make Halloweek 2021 a successful event for all Chicagoans to enjoy. A complete list of updated guidelines and upcoming details can be found at www.ChicagoHalloweek.org.
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