KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
October 7, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy kids are picking out costumes and getting their candy buckets ready, but what will trick-or-treating look like in Katy this year?
With the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, some Katy families are making plans and getting creative to keep the Halloween tradition alive. Other residents will not hand out treats or let their children gather them door-to-door.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released lists ranking low-to-high-risk Halloween activities. The traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating has been classified as high risk.
Katy Parents Get Creative for Halloween
Katy residents have turned to their Facebook groups and other social media to make plans for the Halloween tradition in their subdivisions.
“Our neighborhood has come up with a lot of fun and creative ways to still do trick-or-treating,” says Whitney Peper. “Some have created candy chutes and zip lines.”
Local parents took to Katy Magazine’s Facebook page to share their plans. An overwhelming amount of residents support trick-or-treating.
“So many are ready and willing to take their kids around,” writes Tara Patten. “So many of us are handing candy out.”
While many parents support trick-or-treating, many have shared modified ways to participate in the holiday fun.
“I’ll have a table with goody bags spread out for them to take,” says Lori Hemphill.
“I’m going to have a table outside with treat bags so the kids can just grab and go,” says Jessica Asmar. “I’m going to play music and hang out on my lawn chair with a mask of course. I hope we get trick-or-treaters.”
Some Say ‘No’ to Treats
Still, some families will not participate with trick-or-treating this year due to the pandemic risks.
“Not this year,” says Ellen Schulz. “I’m following CDC guidelines.”
“Mine don’t want to,” says Mawson Charlie. “They are worried about COVID, but I’ll give out candy as safely as I can.”
Katy Map to Trick-or-Treating
The “No Tricks Just Treats” Project allows residents to identify how they will participate in trick-or-treating this year.
“We all know holidays will be a little different this year,” says Sandy Green. “I am helping spread the word for an interactive Halloween map where you can easily see who is participating in Halloween events in each neighborhood, and importantly, how we can safely hand out treats so that we can visit the houses within our comfort level.”
The interactive map utilizes Halloween-themed icons such as the cauldron which means the homeowner will have a bowl of treats out for children, with no interactions from the residents. The teal icon indicates the location has allergy-friendly options.
Do you want to safely plan your trick-or-treating route this year? See the interactive map and add your home here.