With the coronavirus — and its associated statewide restrictions on physical distancing and large gatherings — here to stay through the fall, everyone knew the city’s traditional Halloween festivities in downtown Canby would look different this year. The only question was how different.
We now know the answer: “Very.”
The city will not be organizing its annual Downtown Canby Spooktacular Village this year, a beloved tradition that draws thousands of costumed youngsters to the city center each year during the afternoon of All Hallows’ Eve.
“In light of Covid-19 restrictions, we have decided to focus on promoting business activities rather than organizing downtown trick-or-treating,” Canby Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Calvin LeSueur said in an email Tuesday.
LeSueur said the city does hope to encourage downtown businesses and property owners to lean into the holiday season with window displays, window paintings and sidewalk displays. The city will also help promote any individual businesses who are doing special activities for Halloween.
“Much of the guidance recommends small ‘events,’ so let us focus on promoting each other’s efforts rather than organizing something larger,” LeSueur said. “With Hot Rod Dreamworks’ scarecrow contest, Scare Fair at the fairgrounds, and individual efforts by downtown businesses and organizations, I am sure we will be able to maintain a festive and fun atmosphere downtown this season.”
For those businesses, churches, groups and neighborhoods who do have plans for Halloween this year, keep The Canby Current in the loop as well! Please send the details to francke@canbyfirst.com so we can share with the community.