As of today, Beggars’ Night will go on in Waukee as typically scheduled on Friday, Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m. See health guidance related to COVID-19 and the Waukee Police Department's general Halloween safety tips below.
COVID-19 Health Guidance
However, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding members of the community that COVID-19 is still circulating in Iowa. The department encourages all Iowans to continue to take precautions to protect the health of themselves and their families. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. For 2020 Halloween festivities, the IDPH strongly encourages Iowans to follow CDC’s guidance when deciding what is appropriate for their families. Learn more in this tip sheet.
The tip sheet notes that if you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you SHOULD NOT participate in in-person Halloween festivities and SHOULD NOT give out candy/other items to trick-or-treaters. CDC continues to recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public places, social distancing and thorough hand-washing.
Some other key trick-or-treating modifications presented by the IDPH include:
- Lining up individually wrapped goodie bags or paper cups at the end of the driveway or at the edge of a yard for trick-or-treaters. (Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags).
- If choosing to take children out on Beggars’ Night, limit the number of houses you visit and ask children to maintain at least six feet of distance from others.
- Only accept factory-wrapped treats while trick-or-treating; avoid homemade treats from strangers.
- Stay local.
To view the full list of Halloween 2020 COVID-19 Guidance, visit the IDPH website. The tip sheet covers more trick-or-treating guidelines as well as costume vs. cloth masks, parties, haunted houses, festivals and more.
Of course, if you or your child(ren) are at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before allowing participation in Halloween activities. And, if you do not wish to hand out candy this year, simply turn off your porch light.
City officials will continue to monitor COVID-19 case numbers as well as future guidance and recommendations issued by federal, State and County health officials.
General Safety
The Waukee Police Department offers these tips for staying safe during this fun night of trick-or-treating:
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and use established crosswalks.
- Try to walk on sidewalks. If not possible, walk along the far edge of the road and face traffic.
- Parents should check children's candy items before they are eaten.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Wear reflective clothing.
- Walk up to houses only if their outside lights are on.
- Walk with others, and do not stray from the group.
- Never take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or parks.
- Never enter the home of a stranger.
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
- Carry sturdy trick-or-treat bags that have strong straps or handles.
Beggars' Night is busy with both pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. The Waukee Police Department urges drivers to use extra caution in residential areas. Police officers will have a visible presence in the community on both Beggars' Night and Halloween. This is a fun and exciting time of year for Waukee youth, and the Waukee PD wants to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.