The City of Knox is moving ahead with trick-or-treating but is urging residents to take precautions against COVID-19. Mayor Dennis Estok announced Thursday that trick-or-treat hours will be Saturday, October 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. But the costume judging normally held at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center sponsored by Starke County A.B.A.T.E. has been canceled.
Thursday’s announcement came after some initial hesitation. Last month, Estok told the city council that he wanted to wait for more guidance from the CDC and Governor Holcomb before making a decision. Since then, the CDC has classified traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating as a “higher-risk” activity.
The City of Knox encourages trick-or-treaters to practice social distancing and stay within their own group. Face masks are recommended for both trick-or-treaters and residents handing out candy. Residents who don’t want to take part are asked to leave their porch lights off, and trick-or-treaters should only go to homes with their lights on.
At this point, Knox, Hamlet, and North Judson are all planning to hold trick-or-treating this year. The Town of Winamac has canceled theirs, at the recommendation of the Pulaski County Health Department and Incident Management Team.
