Halloween Activities Proceed with Safety Measures
Photo by AdobeStock_56867317 Andy
by Dominic Calabrese
H
alloween events are still scheduled throughout the Chicago area this fall, but safety considerations will remain front and center as COVID-19 and its variants remain a health concern. Fortunately, local families have many fun in-person and virtual events to choose from in which to celebrate safely. Among organizations planning to celebrate the holiday this year after the pandemic led to widespread cancellations in 2020 is Navy Pier (NavyPier.org), the Midwest’s premier tourist attraction. The iconic Chicago lakeside destination will offer a full roster of free fall- and Halloween-themed programs through November, according to Payal Patel, communications director. Highlights include Pier Pumpkin Lights, which makes its return this month, with Navy Pier literally transformed into an experiential fall spectacle with more than 1,000 pumpkins stacked in elaborate and photo-worthy displays. “Our guests are 18
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welcome to explore this colorful pumpkin pop-up experience while enjoying Pierwide deals and other Halloween festivities throughout the month,” Patel says. “We will also host Halloween Family Fun Days on Saturdays, starting October 9 through October 30,” Patel notes. “Weekend activities will include costume contests, scavenger hunts, Halloween-themed movie viewings, trivia contests and more.” She adds that the grand finale of Navy Pier’s Halloween extravaganza on October 30 will feature onsite trick-or-treating, family and dog-friendly costume contests, plus arts and crafts stations for kids of all ages to enjoy. Patel maintains that the safety of all its guests remains the Pier’s top priority, and it continues to follow guidance from the city and state’s respective health departments. “As of now, masks are required while indoors at the Pier, in alignment with local guidelines,” she says. “We’ve also continued to follow stringent cleaning measures
throughout the entire pandemic. We will closely monitor the situation and inform our guests of any modifications in our activities.” She adds that safety measures may change throughout the fall season and beyond, following government guidelines. Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZoo.org) is also presenting Halloween celebrations this month. While the complete roster is still being finalized, including details for the planned “Spooky Zoo” on October 23, Jillian Braun, director of public relations and communications, says that several activities are set. Among them is Fall Fest, which will take place weekends in October, beginning October 8 and 9. “Our visitors will have a number of fun things to do, such as exploring a giant pumpkin patch, taking a pumpkin walk and sampling tasty items from an autumn-themed pop-up bar,” she notes. Due to safety concerns, Braun states that the zoo will closely monitor capacity for the walk and other activities. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are canceling such interactive programs this year as our annual corn pool and hay mountain for climbing,” she says. Braun adds that to ensure public safety, masks must be worn in all zoo buildings, hand sanitizers are available throughout the park, social distancing is strongly encouraged and all other city, state and federal guidelines are adhered to. Halloween observances are planned across the city this fall at the Chicago Park District (ChicagoParkDistrict.com). According to Irene Tostado, deputy director of communications, details are still being finalized for the return of Chicago’s “Halloweek!” experience, which is usually held the week before the holiday. Halloweek! is a part of a partnership between My Chi. My Future., an initiative from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, that aims to connect youth to opportunities during out of school time, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Libraries and other City departments. Updated information is available by visiting ChicagoHalloweek.org.
