Halloween is a beloved North American event, and we hope that this year we can continue the festivities amongst a pandemic and potentially large amounts of snow, here are 10 tips to stay safe and have fun!

1. Clear sidewalks and pathways
   Keeping your sidewalks clear of snow and debris can mean safe social distancing and ensure safe mobility for trick or treaters.
   
   
2. Participate in the Accessible Trick or Treating yard sign program
   

   The signs are designed to show your support for children who may be unable to experience trick or treating to its fullest potential. When this sign is in front of a house, it will signify to others that the homeowners are aware that some children may have trouble getting to the front door to get their Halloween treats and will do whatever they can to be inclusive. Staircases, steep or long driveways, crowded front entrances, or narrow pathways are no longer getting in the way for the kids in our communities during Halloween! This is also a great way to let families know you are participating in Halloween activities.
                                                        - Find your sign starting Mid-October, 2020, FREE lawn signs will be available at a participating Home Depot Canada locations (get the list) and RE/MAX Agents, while quantities last. Printing off this website is free and always available.

   
    
   
   
3. Keep up to date on Alberta Health Announcements: 
   
   
   
4. Good Lighting
   

   With the shorter days upon us, your guests will not be showing up until long after the sun goes down. Help them stay on course by lighting up the path to your door. 

    

5. Keep Others Healthy 
   If you are feeling unwell, stay home, don't hand out candy and remember to isolate to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
   
   

6. Get creative with social distancing
   Minimize contact with others: trick-or-treat with your family or cohort, remain within your community, and stay 2 metres apart. If you are handing out candy get creative, here are some fun ideas:
   
   
   
   

7. Get Loud!
   Rather than knocking or ringing the doorbell, sing a song, yell "Trick or Treat" or "Happy Halloween" from 2 metres away, use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces.
   Make a sign by the door to encourage your ghouls and goblins to yell or sing, share your signs with us by tagging @RemaxRiverCity on Instagram. 
   
   

8. Learn more about Halloween in Edmonton
   Did you know that Halloween has been celebrated in Edmonton since the 1880s, YES, that long! In the early 1900s nuts, candies, toffee, and popcorn were all popular goodies to give young revellers or serve to party guests. 
   
   
   
   

9. Don't want to hand out candy, but you do want to enjoy Halloween... What to do?
   To-Do Canada has a great list of events happening throughout December
   Fort Edmonton Park has the Dark event happening with different events throughout the month. 
   
   
   

10. Disinfect!
    If you are handing out candy, trick or treating or eating the candy (for inspection purposes I'm sure), sanitize before you hand out candy (here are more tips on handing out candy safely), once you get home and whenever you touch something that you are unfamiliar with.