Leechburg cancels ‘Halloweenburg’ event because of pandemic
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A popular annual Halloween event has canceled in Leechburg because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Halloweenburg, sponsored by the Leechburg Area Community Association and the Leechburg Fire Department, is the latest covid-19 cancellation for the borough. Pink Day, the popular annual breast cancer fundraising event, was scrapped in June.
“The borough can’t officially sanction this event because of the ongoing pandemic. It’s a liability,” said Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos, who announced the decision in a social media post Monday.
Dobos stressed that borough residents can still enjoy their own personal Halloween festivities.
“Residents may trick-or-treat at their own discretion, but the borough won’t have an official event,” he said.
Halloweenburg’s weeklong community celebration was founded more than 30 years ago and typically includes a pumpkin carving contest, parade, pancake breakfast and other Halloween-themed events.
The parade along Market Street regularly draws hundreds of people and features numerous custom-built floats, trucks from area fire companies and performances from the Leechburg Area School District band and other organizations.
“The parade attracts more and more people each year and we just can’t take that risk,” said Doreen Smeal, president of the community association.
Despite the cancellation, Smeal said the association is exploring the possibility of hosting an outdoor Halloween trunk-or-treat event, following covid-19 guidelines.
“I would support a trunk-or-treat event,” said Nicole Michadick of West Leechburg.
Michadick’s daughter, Maria, 8, has participated in several Halloweenburg events and said as a mother she’s disappointed in the decision to cancel.
“It’s a difficult decision and I understand it’s for safety, but the kids and parents love it and the kids need something to do,” Michadick said.