Trick or Treating in 2021?
What is the general consensus among Berkeley parents about trick or treating this year? Fauci has advised that the risk is minimal, and my kids really want to do it. As a parent new to Berkeley (the lower hills, specifically), would it be an imposition to take my kids out trick or treating?
Oct 12, 2021
Parent Replies
We plan to skip trick or treat again this year as kids are not yet vaccinated. We were happy with what we did last year and plan to do the same. Dress in costumes and walk around the hood checking out decorations. Many houses put out candies. If they were doing social distancing trick or treating, we got treats. (Some people had shoots, others had 6 ft long scoops or a bucket of candies outside). We roped off our house to show that we don’t want visitors but did leave a large bucket of candies and hand sanitizers outside for kids to take. We had a backyard day time Halloween gathering with 2 other families that were in our social bubble so that kids can play (masked and outside) and kids did scavenger hunt and jack o lantern piñata as well as pumpkin carvings. We also prearranged a trick or treat with a couple of neighbors. We had more candies than we could eat and kids had a blast. None of us missed the traditional trick or treat and felt this was very fun.
We live in University Village and residents here have started a list for which buildings will be participating. I will be taking my daughter trick-or-treating for her first time. I think risk is minimal. If nothing else, some folks will leave candy outside. Have fun!
I think trick or treating will absolutely be “on” this year.
I’d say go for it! We are going to stay outdoors and wear masks, and (as you said) according to many experts I’ve read that risks are very low.
God I hope kids will be trick or treating this year. I definitely plan to take my kids out. Being outside is safe and this community is very highly vaccinated. I have zero concerns about the health implications of trick or treating.
I'm doing it, if I can find a neighborhood that seems into it. Short, masked, outdoor interactions (that can also be distanced if we step back after knocking) are super low risk. People who are uncomfortable can choose not to answer the door, or put up a sign to please not knock.
We're in West Berkeley and plan to let our kids trick or treat this year.