CINCINNATI — Northsiders built six-foot-long, tube-shaped “candy chutes” and slid candy through them to avoid face-to-face contact with trick-or-treaters.
A child dressed as Baby Yoda wore a green face mask to complete the look.
Saturday night was a different kind of Halloween, but families across Cincinnati found ways to make it work.
“It is different times,” said Northside resident Noelle Wedig-Johnston, who decorated her colorful candy chutes with patterns and googly eyes. “And the only way to make it better is to try and take the positives.”
Crowds were smaller in her neighborhood than they had been in the past. To the south, in Findlay Market, business owners participating in an organized trick-or-treat event said it was busier than ever before.
Michael Maxwell, who owns Market Wines, said he thought families likely felt safer at a more structured event in a familiar spot.
All participants were required to wear masks, groups were spaced six feet apart, and business owners like Maxwell wore gloves as they handed candy to visitors.
“It was a little bit nerve-racking trying to figure out how to do it safely and the best way that we can,” he said. “I think it’s just really great to see and for these kids to have an opportunity to have someplace safe to come, someplace that’s familiar for the kids in the neighborhood.”
Jonnae Hamby, who attended the event, said she was heartened to see children would still be able to participate in Halloween festivities during the most unusual year in living memory.
“I know it’s a lot on the kids, and it’s a lot on the adults, too, just having to be cautious and trying to make sure that your kids have fun,” she said. “So this is real nice. This is a nice event.”
