Graham Avenue BID & Community Partners Adopt New Halloween Safety Guidelines to Help Families Celebrate Safely

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY (October 19, 2020) – The Graham Avenue Business Improvement District, Sustainable United Neighborhoods (@SUN_Brooklyn), and Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (53rd Assembly District) today announced their Halloween safety guidelines in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines. 

 These organizations and businesses are coming together to “Save A Halloween Like We’ve Never Seen” with a Costume Crawl For All along Graham Avenue, Saturday, October 31, 2020, 1PM to 4PM

“This COVID-19 Pandemic has put a strain on thousands upon thousands of people who are still adjusting to the new norm. This year as Halloween approaches, we want to give children and families the ability to feel safe and secure during trick or treating. Following the specified guidelines in accordance with the CDC’s safety steps, such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, sanitizing, contactless candy bags and maintaining a 6-feet distance, is a necessity. Partnering with our local merchants who are a part of the Graham Avenue BID, along with SUN Brooklyn, has made this planning process an opportunity to think outside the box. We are looking forward to celebrating Halloween this year as we prioritize safety and fun,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila.

The local guidelines are consistent with Halloween safety guidelines announced by the Halloween & Costume Association and supporting partners on Sept 14, along with a color-coded COVID risk level map – provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute – that details COVID risk level by county, across the country. The guidelines and map are now live on the Halloween2020.org website with other features, including social distancing suggestions and celebration alternatives, a Safe House Pledge and printable certificate to ensure safe trick-or-treating sites. The BID has also provided these guidelines and a Safe Store Pledge to stores along Graham Avenue. 

“We are on a mission to ensure the safest Halloween celebration possible this year and want to make sure families and communities have access to the best, up-to-date guidance that prioritizes community safety,” said Kevin Johnson, Halloween & Costume Association Chairman and Chief Excitement Officer at Elope. “The color-coded map developed by the Harvard Global Health Institute, along with our guidelines and additional website resources, can help ensure families find fun, yet safe ways to celebrate this season.” 

“Families and policy-makers need clear and consistent information when it comes to COVID-19 risks to inform decision-making, including how to participate safely in the upcoming Halloween holiday and trick-or-treating activities associated with it,” said Dr. Ingrid Katz, Infectious Diseases Expert, and Associate Faculty Director at the Harvard Global Health Institute. “Through our interactive COVID risk level map, we hope to provide parents a reliable source to help them celebrate Halloween in the most safe, fun way possible according to the risk level in their community.” 

While it’s no surprise Halloween will look different this year – amid a year of high uncertainty – people are still longing for that familiar feeling only annual holidays can bring and are looking for guidance on safe ways to celebrate. As the Halloween candy leader, The Hershey Company has been following the steady increases in online searches by consumers on how to celebrate Halloween this season since April. “Halloween is more important than ever this year as we navigate the new normal together and are seeking opportunities to celebrate safely. We’re inspired by the public-private partnerships and groups coming together that all have a shared value of celebrating Halloween safely,” added Chuck Raup, President, U.S., The Hershey Company. 

“It has been such a tough year for area families. They came to us concerned that Halloween was ‘canceled.’ Now with a little planning, resourcefulness, and community collaboration, we are proud to partner with area leaders and the businesses of Brooklyn’s Avenue of Puerto Rico to save Halloween,” said Jay Solly, Co-Founder & CEO, Sustainable United Neighborhoods. 

The Executive Director of the BID, Betty Cooney, added, “I’ve been with the BID for 18 years and our merchants have never faced anything like this. We need to come together as a community to best serve area families by keeping the traditions of the holiday safe as well as fun.”

Even with the extra precautions and adjustments needed to ensure a safe celebration, Halloween 2020 still promises to be a once in a lifetime experience. In fact, a Halloween such as this won’t happen again for at least another 152 years. Not only does Halloween 2020 fall on a Saturday, it also happens to be a full moon AND daylight savings time, a bonus for late night shenanigan seekers. In addition to all this mystical magic, trick-or-treating will also occur during a blue moon this year, the second full moon of October! This ultra-rare quadfecta is the stuff silver screen legends are made of.

Regardless of how we celebrate, the stars have clearly aligned to ensure unparalleled Halloween hijinks this year. The BID, SUN, and our elected leaders are committed to ensuring the local community can celebrate Halloween this year in the most safe, fun way possible.

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