Trick-or-treating to take place in Penn Hills, along with covid-friendly event in community park

Penn Hills is ready for Halloween.

The traditional trick-or-treating activity will go on throughout the municipality from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31, said Mayor Pauline Calabrese.

She recommends that those participating follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises mask wearing and distancing of 6 feet. In guidelines released last week, the CDC grouped Halloween activities into lower-risk, moderate-risk and higher-risk categories.

The higher-risk category includes door-to-door trick-or-treating and events where children get treats from the trunks of cars in a parking lot.

“Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses,” the CDC said in a statement. “There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. If you may have covid-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with covid-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.”

Other activities to be avoided according to the CDC include hayrides or tractor rides with others, visiting fall festivals in other communities and indoor haunted houses where people will be crowded and screaming, which could spray infectious particles.

Calabrese said the municipal government does not have a “vote” on trick-or-treating.

“We don’t have the power to stop Halloween,” she said.

For those in Penn Hills wanting to avoid the door-to-door activity, the municipality’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a free Halloween Drive-Boo Parade and Movie in the Park event.

The department will hand out candy and Halloween-themed crafts directly to those in vehicles, which are encouraged to be decorated. Awards will be handed out to the most creative costume and best-decorated vehicle.

The event will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Penn Hills Community Park, 90 Colorado St.

After the parade, the municipality will screen The Addams Family, the animated version from 2019. The film is rated PG. Park officials encourage those staying for the movie to bring blankets and chairs. There will be pre-packaged snacks and drinks provided.

Parks director John Scaglione said the municipality always tries to throw some sort of Halloween-themed event, but that this is the first one adapted for coronavirus.

“Everyone is going to remain in their cars and just drive through the park. We’ll have some crafts and games that can be done in the car,” Scaglione said.

He said registration for the movie is filling up fast, with about half of the capacity remaining.

To register for the event, call the department at 412-798-2147. The event is not limited to Penn Hills residents, Scaglione said.