(Greg Jordan)

By Sheldon Spackman

Keeping It Simple

Facebook group aims to keep Halloween alive and safe in Red Deer during COVID-19

Sep 3, 2020 | 10:24 AM

A local parent wants to help ensure Red Deer kids can still enjoy Halloween to the fullest while following COVID-19 public health guidelines.

Alysa Marance has created the Red Deer Trick or Treat Facebook group that aims to simplify the process for those who plan to take their kids trick or treating or plan to give out candy this Oct. 31.

Speaking to 106.7 The Drive’s Ryan Simmons Wednesday morning, Marance hopes the initiative helps address the apprehension people may have about Halloween this year.

“Basically the idea of the page is those who are planning to go trick or treating with their kids or otherwise, and those who are planning to give out candy, they can put their address on the page – it is private by the way,” she explains. “My goal was just to make it seamless for the parents because it has been a rough year and just really easy for the kids, and fun so that you’re not aimlessly wandering on the streets looking for houses that have the lights on. Although that is tradition, I do know that, but given how rough the year was, I just wanted to make it a little bit easier and more fun for the entire community.”

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Marance says her concept is similar to the wine ninjas movement that proved popular during the early months of the pandemic.

“You just join the group, we approve you, you go into the albums,” she explains. “I have everyone putting down their address if they are giving out candy, and if you can’t give out candy because you’re the one taking the kids trick or treating, no problem. You just go reference where your neighbourhood is and pick out the addresses and go have some fun.”

As Halloween approaches, Marance says her main advice to parents is to be mindful of what treats you plan to hand out.

“Make sure that the wraps are solid, so that if need be, they can be sprayed down with Lysol or wiped-down and sanitized so that it doesn’t actually compromise the treat inside the wrapping.”

Alberta Health officials say they recognize the importance of Halloween and acknowledge that Albertans will want to celebrate it in various ways with their friends and families this year.

“Any Halloween activities would need to comply with the existing public health guidance and measures in place at the time,” notes Tom McMillan, Assistant Director of Communications with Alberta Health. “The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Alberta Health will provide more advice closer to Halloween.”

Marance says she’s really just aiming to motivate everyone to take part and enjoy Halloween.

“This year has been so rough, especially for the kids, and I just really wanted to ensure that they have at least one big bang this year. My goal is to make it safe, seamless, and a lot of fun.”

Related: Alberta Wine Ninjas expanding joy-bringing reach daily