Local leaders announce Halloween safety guidelines, trick-or-treat times

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — There are just over two weeks until Halloween, and parents are wondering if their children will be able to trick-or-treat this year.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa are asking residents not to go door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Brown is also asking residents to avoid participating in any large indoor gatherings for Halloween.

“Going door-to-door and giving or receiving candy is too great of a risk during this global pandemic, which continues to threaten our community, especially our most vulnerable residents,” Mayor Brown said.

Tonawanda Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger released his guidance for trick-or-treaters Thursday. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. residents taking part in the hunt for candy must wear a mask, keep the size of their group down and maintain social distancing.

“The police aren’t going to be walking around the Town of Tonawanda enforcing that,” Emminger said. “We’re relying on the adults, the parents, the grandparents to remind their children and grandchildren.”

In Niagara Falls, trick or treating will be allowed from 4-7 p.m. City leaders say costume masks will not be considered a substitute for cloth masks.

Experts we spoke with say there are certain measures you should follow to keep yourself and others safe from the coronavirus this holiday.

Dr. John Crane, a Professor of Medicine specializing in infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo, said those trick-or-treating, including parents and children, should wear a mask.

“I also think it’s probably a good idea for homeowners answering the door with trick-or-treaters at their doorstep to probably also wear masks then,” Dr. Crane said.

He also suggests only going to homes that you know have safety guidelines in place, like visiting close neighbors or family members.

Ultimately, he said there are ways to stay safe while also having fun this Halloween.

We are currently gathering trick-or-treating times. The list below will be updated as new information comes in.

Halloween

Amherst – 6-8 p.m.
Depew – 6-8 p.m. (Regular)
- Drive-Thru Truck ‘N Treat Halloween Experience to take place at Fireman’s Park (Alternate)
- Beggar’s Night is cancelled
Dunkirk – 2-5 p.m.
Lewiston (Town and Village) – 4-7 p.m.
Niagara Falls – 4-7 p.m.
North Tonawanda – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Town of Tonawanda – 6-8 p.m.

October 30

Tonawanda – Trunk-or-Treat (drive-thru event at Veterans Park) – 5-7 p.m.

October 29