OLD COLORADO CITY — The popular shop to shop Halloween trick or treat event in Old Colorado City is not a happening in 2020. The merchants decided against it because of uncertainty from the on-going pandemic. "Unfortunately, with the situation at hand and the tenuous nature of getting large numbers of people together and distribution of candy we'll have to call a halt," said Old Colorado City promotional spokesperson, “The Mayor.”
Merchants say it was hard decision because they rely on foot traffic and the Halloween event always attracts a lot of people. They also do not want a cancelled event to give the idea the shopping district is closed. All the shops are open and operating under COVID safe guidelines.
The cancellation in Old Colorado City raises questions about other Halloween events. El Paso County Public Health, Medical Director, Dr. Robin Johnson says to consider how Halloween can be celebrated differently this year."All of the community to be engaging in how we can achieve that with potentially some innovation and just making some good decisions for ourselves, but also for the community at large.” The same prevention measures in place for six months to prevent the spread of COVID-19 apply to Halloween. “Be wise,’ said Johnson
COVID will not be gone by Halloween. “It may need to look a little different than previous years,” said Johnson. There will likely be guidelines released from state and county public health leaders shortly before Halloween. They are watching COVID-19 data and will give recommendations based on trends.
