OLDS — RCMP will patrol the community Halloween night to ensure people and their property remain safe.
But police, like others in the community, have had to change their activities due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
“Officers will still be on patrol keeping an eye on the trick-or-treaters and making sure motorists are driving safely,” Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, the commanding officer of Olds RCMP wrote in an email.
“Patrolling officers have often passed out treats in the past but unfortunately we won't be doing that this year,” he added.
Firefighters won’t be involved in Halloween this year, town officials say.
In recent years, the First Baptist Church held a pumpkin patch party at École Deer Meadow School. That won't be happening this year, due to the pandemic, pastor Greg Sterling says.
However, the church is planning to provide candy to kids in another way: drive-by trick-or-treating.
"At the west doors of the church we'll have candy bags for kids who come by during trick or treat night. But that's all we can really do," he said during an interview.
Organizers plan to begin handing that candy out at 6 p.m. And they'll continue to do so until it's all gone.
In addition, the Hope Pointe Community Church of the Nazarene is hosting a drive-through "trunk or treat" event at 5203 43rd St. (two blocks north of Westview Co-op).
"We'll be dispensing pre-packaged treats and some surprises from 6 to 8 p.m.," senior pastor Darlene Hyatt wrote in an email.
She also noted a "great Halloween backdrop" will be on-site so parents and friends can take photo of all the ghouls and goblins that show up.
"Wear your favourite costume, pile into your car and have some Halloween fun with us," she wrote.
Town officials are offering an escape room online via Zoom from Oct. 29-31. They're also encouraging residents to particpate in a pumpkin carving contest. See the Oct. 27 edition of the Albertan for further details on both activities.
Town officials have advertised safe trick or treating methods for parents and businesses in the town's Olds Connector newsletter.
