Even an event designed around safety and cleanliness couldn’t withstand the risk associated with recently rising cases of COVID-19.
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District announced via email on Wednesday night that it was canceling the Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Halloween event it was cohosting with the villages.
The email, sent to participants who had signed up for the event, indicated the organizers were responding with an “abundance of caution” to the increasing number of cases throughout the South Suburbs.
“While the event was to be held outdoors, the opportunity for groups to gather in close proximity to each other and to event volunteers presented a risk that could not be fully mitigated,” read the message, which was delivered by park district employee Caryn Becker.
“We truly regret the necessity to cancel this event on such short notice. We will continue to find new and creative ways to engage with the community that maintain a positive and safe environment for our participants and staff.”
The Trick-or-Treat Trail was planned as a progressive candy collection, as costumed kids moved along the outdoor trail at Millennium Park in Homewood. Sponsors were planning to set up decorated tables and distribute treats in an COVID-safe way.
Participants had to sign up for a time slot so the trail was only occupied by a certain number of people at any one time during the event.
In the email message, the park district expresses appreciation for the business sponsors who already invested resources for their participation in an event that will no longer happen.
“We would like to thank our generous sponsors who looked forward to meeting you on the Trick-or-Treat Trail,” the email read.
“Many of these businesses have been heavily impacted by this pandemic and we truly appreciate their desire to give back to our community. If you are able, please patronize their businesses and let them know you appreciate their interest in this event.”
Specialized Staffing Solutions was the event’s “Monster of a Sponsor.”
Goblin Sponsors included Healthy Hounds, Medulla, The Pentacostal Church Homewood-Flossmoor Campus, Art Corner Frames, The Wexler Group, Weichert Realtors, Michelle Nelson for Mayor, and Edward Jones.
Event table sponsors included South Suburban Humane Society, Thomas’ Photographic Services, South Suburban Family Shelter, Homewood Science Center, Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor Baseball and Softball, Michelle Nelson, Flossmoor Police Department, Wiley’s Grill, Angles Athletics, Dunning’s Market/You Matter 2, Homewood Business Association, and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Commissioners.
