Richmond Parents seeking Halloween options

With the pandemic being a scary enough time, some Richmond parents have decided to make this year’s Halloween more fun and less spooky.

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is encouraging people to skip Halloween parties, but says kids can still trick or treat in small groups (stick to six) if they wear masks and practice social-distancing. 

“Celebrate less socially and trick-or-treat locally this Halloween,” read the BCCDC’s website. And kids and their parents are advised to wash hands before going out and eating treats. In addition, adults are also encouraged to get creative while handing out treats, such as using tongs, a baking sheet, or making a candy slide to give more space. 

The Richmond News canvassed a number of parents and the vast majority said between going outside to accept candy from people and hunkering down at home, they would instead choose safety this year.
Richmondite Jenny Lau, a mother of a nine-year-old daughter, is one of them. 

Lau and her daughter have come up with some creative ideas — they’re going to throw a virtual Halloween music party on Zoom. 

“It wasn’t an easy decision for us since we enjoy the fun of Halloween, but we are going to try our best to party for everyone,” said Lau.

Her daughter Alia Kong, 9, is working with her friend Ryder Chow from Kids Power Society, a not-for-profit aimed at creating a platform for kids to turn their imagination into a creation. They plan on bringing songs and musical performances to the party. 

“We can sing, dance and play whatever instrument we want. This year we are all going to wear superhero costumes, and I am going to dress up as the lightning girl to fight against COVID-19,” said Alia, adding that she will also showcase her violin skills at the party.

Meanwhile, other neighbourhoods are organizing Halloween parades where kids can dress up and parade through their neighbourhood or complex in their costumes. Still, others are organizing house decorating contests. 

One mother, who was overseeing her two girls busily stringing cobwebs and tarantulas along their hedge, said she was still undecided whether or not to take her girls trick or treating.

“There’s not much point if only every fifth house is handing out candy,” she said. 

For more information about the BCCDC Halloween guidelines. go online to bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/halloween.

For more information about the Halloween party, visit Kidspowersociety.com.