By Lindsay Doty
As variety packs of fun-size candy bars pop up on store shelves and pumpkin-themed coffee drinks emerge for the season, the excitement over Halloween is starting to filter in with the fall season. But in 2020, that comes with questions.
Will we trick-or-treat? What about parties? Is Halloween canceled?
Halloween in Hendricks County has not been canceled, but it will look a little different in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
For some event organizers, it is still too early for some to make the call on what to do, while others are planning alternative options.
Avon Washington Township Park will host its annual Ghosts and Goblins on Oct. 24 but with a new drive-thru format.
“The idea came with how can we still do this and be safe,” said Trilby Berry-Tayman, Washington Township Parks recreation coordinator.
“We said we’ll just do it in cars, and people can decorate the cars and kids can do the costume contest online and put a hashtag on it,” said Berry-Taymanm who has been busy recruiting local businesses, nonprofits, churches and community leaders to hand out candy during the park drive-thru. “I’m excited enough to be knocking on a lot of doors. I want something to exist.
If this is the way it has to be, well, then I’m excited.”
She says anyone handing out candy must wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer. Guests will drive through Washington Township Park to collect their treats from community helpers.
With the upcoming election, Ghosts and Goblins designated the upper park as a political row where local candidates from both parties can share candy and information. Guests can decide if they want to make the turn down “political alley.”
The Ghosts and Goblins event has been a local Halloween favorite for more than a decade and attracted 3,000 visitors last year. Organizers are hopeful to offer some safe Halloween fun once again.
A similar event is planned for the same day (Oct. 24) in Danville. The Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat Drive-thru is being touted as a free, safe and unique way to trick-or-treat by driving “trunk-to-trunk.”
Danville Parks and Friends will host the event at Gary Eakin Park, and organizers are looking for trunks to participate.
In Brownsburg, the town decided not to host its annual Trunk or Treat at town hall this year, but Brownsburg Parks is planning a Trail and Treat at Williams Park on Oct. 24.
“While we’re sorry we won’t be able to host Trunk or Treat, we do hope families attend Trail and Treat at Williams Park on Oct. 24. Parents should keep an eye on town social media to learn trick-or-treating hours,” said Brownsburg community engagement manager Mary Louise Bewley.
As for Oct. 31, towns including Brownsburg, Avon, and Danville have already shared plans for regular trick-or-treat hours, adding some suggested precautions.
“We will likely recommend that trick or treaters follow guidance from CDC and the local Health Department,” said Ryan Cannon, assistant town manager and public works director for Avon.
“We may put out additional guidance as it gets closer and depending on the current environment at the time,” he added.
Trick-or-Treat hours on Oct. 31
Avon: 6-9 p.m.
Brownsburg: 6-9 p.m.
Danville: 6-8:30 p.m.
Plainfield: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Fall family fun
Avon
Ghosts and Goblins Drive-Thru
3-6 p.m. Oct. 24
Washington Township Park
115 S. County Road 575 E., Avon
Guests are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and wear costumes to drive through the park and get candy. Volunteers must wear masks. Virtual costume contest.
Kingsway Christian Church Trunk-or-Treat
4-6 p.m. Oct. 24
7981 E. County Road 100 N, Avon
The church plans to hold its annual trunk-or-treat with some COVID-19 restrictions. Details to come.
Brownsburg
Brownsburg Parks Trail and Treat
5-7 p.m. Oct. 24
Williams Park
940 S. Locust Lane, Brownsburg
Safe trick-or-treating around the park with a Boo-Vie “Casper” at 6 p.m.
Danville
Monster Mash Trunk-or-Treat Drive-Thru
5-7 p.m. Oct. 24
Gary Eakin Park
600 E. County Road 50 N, Danville
Guests can drive-thru the park to get candy by driving trunk-to-trunk.
Beasley’s Orchard Halloweekend
9 a.m.- 5p.m. Oct. 24, 12-5 p.m. Oct. 25
2304 E. Main St., Danville
Halloween weekend celebration where guests are encouraged to wear costumes. Costume and pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, U-pick pumpkins, apple cannons, barnyard bonanza activity center and an 8-acre corn maze. Limited capacity in certain areas. Hand sanitizing throughout the farm. Guests are reminded to wear masks indoors and when social distancing is not an option.
Cost: Weekday $9
Weekend $12
Plainfield
Sat-TERROR-Day Festival
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 31
Talon Stream Park
5344 Pike Lane, Plainfield
This year’s FREE outdoor event will consist of a Trunk or Treat and fun photo ops for the family. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and join the fun.
Note: If you have a Halloween event or cancelation please email news@icontimes.com to tell us about it. Events are subject to change.
