Halloween has some competition with coronavirus for scariest. Sadly coronavirus will win that category this year as traditional Halloween celebrations are officially canceled. Halloween is one of the holidays that is uniquely American and the craze for it can’t be found in any other country. Traditionally referred to as All Hallows Eve it is a night where spirits are thought to roam and all mischief is unlocked. However, this year with the everlasting pandemic it is likely no children will be roaming the streets in costumes going from door-to-door to say, “Trick or treat!”. Although some are finding ways to combat the traditional in-person passing out of candy. According to Business Insider, some people are setting up baskets that they can leave outside for the kids. The CDC recommends that children receive bags of candy that are placed outside as opposed to the traditional handing out of candy from door-to-door. Also, any outdoor activities that are socially distanced and refrain from aerosols being spread will be permitted.

Many huge costume companies like the infamous Spirit stores are managing to stay alive because although trick-or-treating is not advised that still doesn’t stop people from buying costumes and going out in socially distanced parades. According to BBC, many companies have adapted to create costumes with masks to fit the theme of the costume. Candy is still in high demand as well and Americans will be purchasing the same amount of candy as Halloween 2019. In fact, according to BBC, “In August, when early birds began stocking up, sweets manufacturers saw a 13% jump in total Halloween sales compared to the same time last year…” Even though trick-or-treating is ill-advised that isn’t going to stop people from getting in the spirit whether it be through, decorations, costumes, or candy.

Salem the capital of all things Halloween is expected to be hit with a rough financial deficit. The impact of the lack of consumers who come during Halloween is likely to last a few years. According to BBC “Seasonal tourism represents about 30% of Salem’s $140m in annual visitation and 20% to 50% of local businesses’ revenue.” They are still pushing through like many other industries and will have a “Howl-O-Ween pet parade” virtually as well as, “…tours…tarot-card readings…” according to BBC. Another famous event that is attended by almost, “25,000 attendees” is the “Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival” and they are improvising by allowing people to pick up pumpkins or simply attend virtually just to get into the spirit of Halloween according to BBC.

People are pushing through the pandemic as they have with online learning, working from home, and overall adjusting to the new conditions of this surprising and ever-changing pandemic. There are so many more events that have been canceled this year but don’t worry because there are plenty of new events that are socially-distant that you can still check out. Some events that were canceled this year include Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, Walt Disney World’s Oogie Boogie Bash, Knott’s Scary Farm, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival” according to Vox. Hershey created, “a color-coded interactive map” that kids can hunt for candy virtually using Snapchat’s “Hershey’s Treat Quest” according to Vox. Mars Wrigley also took a similar approach in creating, “Treat Town” where once again kids can search for candy virtually according to Vox. These are just a few ways that Americans are trying to combat COVID and promote the Halloween spirit.