The City of San Luis Obispo is offering several alternative activities to help the community enjoy a fun and safe Halloween and follow County and California Department of Public Health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Traditional trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged, but families are encouraged to plan or take advantage of safer alternatives.
The guidance also covers Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition celebrated in the Latino community honoring the deceased. Día de los Muertos celebrations often include gatherings of extended family as well as cemetery visits. Families are encouraged to place traditional indoor alters outside so others can view them from a safe distance, create virtual altars online and keep cemetery visits short in duration and limited to people within the same household.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is providing the following safe activities for community members to enjoy:
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Download a checklist and search for Halloween themed items in your own neighborhood.
- Virtual Costume Contest – Participate in the individual, family and/or pet costume contest for a chance to win a prize. Winners will be announced on October 30th.
- Virtual Pumpkin Decorating Contest – Carve, paint, or otherwise decorate a pumpkin for a chance to win a prize. Prizes for most creative, funniest, and scariest will be announced on October 30th.
- Ghostly Ghoul Hunt – Multiple ghouls have been hidden at several City parks. See how many you can find and tag @sloparksandrec on your quest.
To participate and learn more about the activities, visit www.SLORecEvents.org.
“Halloween has traditionally been an event that brings our neighbors together and many of our community members enjoy,” said Parks & Recreation Director Greg Avakian. “We’re excited to provide our community safer alternatives while being creative and fun.”
To help prevent unsafe gatherings, the city-wide Safety Enhancement Zone remains in effect. Violations for noise, unruly gathering, open alcohol container and public urination will incur double fines. Community members can report unsafe gatherings by calling (805) 781-7312.
For more information from the City’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.slocity.org/covid19 . The City is committed to keeping our community informed.
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