No village-sponsored Halloween activities will take place in Park Forest this year due to COVID-19. The village has however established trick-or-treating hours in the community from to 2 to 5 p.m. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of the Illinois Department of Health’s guidelines for trick-or-treating this year which are listed below.
Residents are encouraged to download and print free Halloween signage to make visible in their windows or on front doors to alert potential trick-or-treaters. Please use the correct side for your home’s participation this year. Orange indicates participating and black indicates not participating.
Download the Trick-or-Treaters Welcome sign here
Download the Not Participating This Year sign here
Illinois Department of Public Health safety tips for trick-or-treaters and participating homes
1) As an alternative to traditional door knock trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped treats should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table, and when replenishing.
2) All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, ensure this does not create breathing issues.
3) Only household members should trick-or-treat together. They also should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
4) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
5) Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy for safety.
6) Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.