Sugar Grove offers trick-or-treating recommendations

After taking into consideration the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health's recommendations for celebrating this year, the Village of Sugar Grove recommended hours for trick-or-treating are 3 to 7 p.m. on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. Participants are strongly encouraged to follow these trick-or-treating guidelines:

As a reminder, if you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating

1.) As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.

2.) All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.

3.) Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.

4.) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.

5.) Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.

6.) And, of course, practice good dental hygiene as well.

7.) Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

Not everyone will feel comfortable with trick-or-treating this year. Residents wishing to participate in handing out treats/candy during the trick-or-treating hours should turn their porch lights on as an acknowledgement that they are handing out candy/treats. Those households desiring to have the trick-or-treaters bypass their home this year, may wish to keep their porch lights off. Residents are also encouraged to display a sign indicating whether or not they are participating in trick-or-treating.

For your convenience, the village has downloadable signs that can be printed and displayed in windows, doors or other visible areas that will let trick-or-treaters know whether you are participating. Go to www.sugargroveil.gov.

These signs are not the only ones that can be used. If you choose to make your own sign, please make sure your option is clearly stated and easily distinguishable.

Please keep in mind that, due to the nature of the pandemic, guidelines are subject to change as the State of Illinois or Kane County may issue more restrictive guidelines. Updates to guidelines will be communicated through the village's website and social media accounts.

Sugar Grove police officers will be out in the neighborhoods with treats for the kids.

To help kids enjoy the season, the Sugar Grove Park District is offering a Drive Thru Trick-or-Treat event and Egg-cellent Halloween Egg Hunt. Registration is required. To learn more and to register, visit sgparks.org.

For additional guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, click here. For additional guidance from the Center for Disease Control, click here.

The village wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween!