By Lyra Bordelon
Halloween is fast approaching, and the Greenbrier Valley preparing for ghosts and ghouls, werewolves and vampires, trick-or-treaters and the homes they will visit, and, as with the rest of 2020, in-person contact and each city’s COVID-19 recommendations.
A majority of the cities throughout both the Greenbrier Valley and Meadow River Valley are holding Halloween events, with trick or treating occurring from 6 to 8 p.m. Halloween night. In addition, most towns have recommended, for those that are sick or do not wish to participate, leaving porch lights off as an indication for which houses are open for the celebration of the spooky season.
Lewisburg
With a round of support from many of the Lewisburg City Councilmembers with small children, the city has moved forward with Halloween trick or treating to take place this year.
“Halloween is going to happen, no matter what,” said Mayor Beverly White. “I have no intention to cancel the children’s Halloween festivities. Our kids have had a lot taken away from them this year. If other cities determine to cancel their events, it may mean there will be more kids coming here to trick or treat. That’s fine, … but parents need to take responsibility and provide extra safety measures while their children are out on the streets.”
This year Halloween will be observed on Saturday, Oct. 31, between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. Those that do not want to participate should leave their porch lights off. Both the Mayor and City Council are encouraging parents to wear masks and demonstrate social distance for themselves and their children as much as possible.
“Children and the adults accompanying those children are asked to wear a mask and to maintain a social distance of six feet,” reads a social media post from the city. “Homeowners who wish to hand out candy are asked to wear a mask and to keep their porch light on during trick-or-treating hours. Homeowners who have been sick or do not want trick-or-treaters, for whatever reason, are asked to keep their porch light off during trick-or-treating hours.”
White Sulphur Springs
The White Sulphur Springs City Council announced that Trick-or-Treating is still scheduled for Halloween night in Spa City. Mayor Bruce Bowling emphasized that homes not wishing to pass out candy leave their porch lights off. Trick-or-treating will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
“If you don’t want to participate, make sure your porch lights are off,” said Mayor Bruce Bowling.
Ronceverte
Trick or Treat will be on Saturday, October 31st, between the hours of 6 to 8 p.m.
“We are recommending to folks not to turn their lights on if they do not want someone at their door,” said Ronceverte Mayor David Smith. “Only go to the homes that have their lights on. We are recommending that folks stick to their family and close friends.”
“Please remember to follow the guidelines suggested by the Governor,” reads a post on social media. “Also remember to take flash lights and be safe!”
In addition, the local nonprofit Friends of Ronceverte is hosting a virtual pumpkin decorating contest.
“Virtual pumpkin decorating contest!” the organization announced on social media. “Submit photos of your carved or decorative pumpkins via PM on the Friends of Ronceverte page. With photo include name of child, age and location. There are 4 age categories. Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, October 25. Voting will be based upon FB likes starting Monday, October 26-30. Winners/prizes will be announced at Street Scare, Halloween evening! Good luck!”
Alderson
Trick or Treating will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in Alderson. Like with many other towns, those not wishing to participate should leave their lights turned off.
“Please use masks, gloves, and all means possible to be vigilant with COVID-19 if you choose to participate,” said Alderson Mayor Travis Copenhaver.
Trunk or Treat at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center
“After thoughtful consideration, we made the tough but necessary decision to cancel this year’s Tailgate Trick or Treat,” announced the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center on social media. “Please check with your local communities regarding neighborhood trick or treating. … However you plan to celebrate Halloween, stay safe and have fun!”
Rainelle Trunk or Treat
Taking place on Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rainelle Town Hall, the annual Rainelle Trunk or Treat is moving forward.
“Trunks, please contact Robin Williams at 304-661-2883 to reserve your spot (spots limited this year),” noted on filer for the event. “Due to social distancing guidelines we ask those in attendance to please wear a mask.
Prizes for Best Theme Trunk, Scariest Trunk, and Most Original Trunk will be awarded at the end of the Trunk or Treat.
Rupert
Halloween in Rupert will run from 6 to 8 p.m. for children aged 12 and under. Citizens who want to participate are asked to turn on their porch light.
Quinwood
“Trick or treat this year is at your own discretion,” announced the town over social media. “If you do not want to participate, turn off your porch light. Please follow safety protocols for COVID-19! For more info call 304-438-6658.”
In addition, the Crichton Elementary Halloween Walk will be a closed event this year due to COVID-19.
“Prepackaged items can still be donated to the school and would be greatly appreciated. Teachers will be handing the goodies out to the children as the parade comes through the halls! Items will need to be dropped off at the school by October 28, please account for a total of 50 kids. … For more info call 304-438-6958.”
