Halloween Event Changes
Hailey Gardner '21 Staff Writer
Due to coronavirus, many changes will impact this year's Halloween season and how students at Howard celebrate. There will be many changes to trick-or-treating as well as events like haunted hayrides, pumpkin picking and the widely popular Field of Screams, which will face restrictions upon re-opening this fall season. COVID-19 changes will fundamentally impact the functionality of these events. Families attending these events can expect online purchases of tickets to help limit the number of customers allowed to attend per day, necessary sanitation and timed visits.
Clark's Elioak Farm, located in Ellicott City, will have pumpkin picking from September 19 to November 8. Clark’s Elioak Farm’s website states the precautions that will be taken on and off the |
farm: “We are using a timed ticketing system to limit the number of guests who visit the farm and allow for contactless entry. Please plan to stay between 2-3 hours enjoying our farm.” The farm mandates social distancing while allowing fun fall activities for families. The website also states, “We are 100% committed to the safety of our visitors and staff and have a policy that everyone 6 and over MUST wear their mask the entire time they are at our farm. We expect all of our visitors to adhere to this policy. If you do not feel that you can wear your mask the entire time you are visiting our farm, please choose another place to visit this Fall.” Clark’s Elioak is open for visitation from 9 AM-5 PM. Every fall season, dozens of Howard High students go out to enjoy pumpkin picking, and Clark’s Elioak Farm allows for the tradition to be upheld safely.
Another event convenient for Howard High School students to attend is Rockburn Park's haunted hayride. This haunted hayride will open on October 16, 23 and 30 from 7PM-10PM, and October 17 and 24 6:30 PM-10 PM. Upon entering Rockburn Park, tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket stations, where proper safety precautions will be in place to keep customers as safe as possible. Howard County suggests that “hayrides should only be conducted in small groups and non-family members should be socially distanced.” Allowing for distance and proper cleaning between hayrides does mean the hayrides will take longer than usual to be fully prepared for passengers but will ensure a safe experience.
Trick-or-treating this year is not encouraged, but there are a few rules that Howard County has established to practice the tradition safely, such as “avoiding large groups, applying sanitizer between houses, allowing 6 feet distance between yourself and other people, and facial coverings should always be worn even if wearing a costume mask.” Rules such as face coverings, distancing and sanitizing will be important to practice, especially with the risk of receiving candy that has been in someone's house, which could be contaminated. Howard County officials suggest leaving treats outside. Placing treats in a bowl outside and sanitizing all treat bags will help to decrease the chance of transmission. Trick-or-treating rules are crucial for younger siblings to ensure they are taking proper precautions.
Another event Howard High students enjoy is the Field of Screams. Field of Screams is COVID-19 compliant, and will be enforcing rules such as, “Masks are Mandatory! Extremely Limited Attendance / We Will Sell Out!, No Congregating in the Compound, Sanitization Stations Available, Covid-19 Protocols Incorporated Throughout the Event.” The event will be touchless, as stated on the website. Tickets are only available for purchase online. By following guidelines on masks and social distancing, the Field of Screams can remain COVID-19 compliant, even in indoor portions, where crowd control is more challenging. Field of Screams will only be hosting two trail events, the Haunted Trail and the Trail of Terror because of restrictions with COVID-19. Many Howard High School students attend this event annually, so its occurrence in these unprecedented times is something to look forward to.
Most events for this Halloween season will still be going on, though marginally stricter, which is a necessity at this time. Keeping yourself and your family members safe is very important and should be the main priority of students when celebrating the holidays. If you or a family member is showing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend these attractions.
Another event convenient for Howard High School students to attend is Rockburn Park's haunted hayride. This haunted hayride will open on October 16, 23 and 30 from 7PM-10PM, and October 17 and 24 6:30 PM-10 PM. Upon entering Rockburn Park, tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket stations, where proper safety precautions will be in place to keep customers as safe as possible. Howard County suggests that “hayrides should only be conducted in small groups and non-family members should be socially distanced.” Allowing for distance and proper cleaning between hayrides does mean the hayrides will take longer than usual to be fully prepared for passengers but will ensure a safe experience.
Trick-or-treating this year is not encouraged, but there are a few rules that Howard County has established to practice the tradition safely, such as “avoiding large groups, applying sanitizer between houses, allowing 6 feet distance between yourself and other people, and facial coverings should always be worn even if wearing a costume mask.” Rules such as face coverings, distancing and sanitizing will be important to practice, especially with the risk of receiving candy that has been in someone's house, which could be contaminated. Howard County officials suggest leaving treats outside. Placing treats in a bowl outside and sanitizing all treat bags will help to decrease the chance of transmission. Trick-or-treating rules are crucial for younger siblings to ensure they are taking proper precautions.
Another event Howard High students enjoy is the Field of Screams. Field of Screams is COVID-19 compliant, and will be enforcing rules such as, “Masks are Mandatory! Extremely Limited Attendance / We Will Sell Out!, No Congregating in the Compound, Sanitization Stations Available, Covid-19 Protocols Incorporated Throughout the Event.” The event will be touchless, as stated on the website. Tickets are only available for purchase online. By following guidelines on masks and social distancing, the Field of Screams can remain COVID-19 compliant, even in indoor portions, where crowd control is more challenging. Field of Screams will only be hosting two trail events, the Haunted Trail and the Trail of Terror because of restrictions with COVID-19. Many Howard High School students attend this event annually, so its occurrence in these unprecedented times is something to look forward to.
Most events for this Halloween season will still be going on, though marginally stricter, which is a necessity at this time. Keeping yourself and your family members safe is very important and should be the main priority of students when celebrating the holidays. If you or a family member is showing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend these attractions.