Halloween activities rise from the dead this fall in South Sound
Though masks have taken on a new meaning in the continuing era of COVID-19, Halloween tricks and treats abound in South Sound this fall.
Trunk-or-treating is back, and reservations are needed for many events. Traditional trick-or-treating also is an option again this year, though the state Department of Health recommends caution.
Among the guidelines: Wearing a paper or cloth mask that fits snugly on your nose and mouth is a must indoors and when it’s not possible to maintain distance from people from other households.
Members of Samba Olywa’s Bone Gang, whose skeleton suits remained in their closets in 2020, will be out this year, but the plan is for the gang to drum and dance Saturday, Oct. 30, in downtown Olympia, away from trick-or-treaters who aren’t yet eligible to be vaccinated. (Look for the gang after 7 p.m., weather permitting.)
Here are some more options for holiday high jinks:
Boo Bash: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31, Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia. Free-$15.95, including museum admission, with reservations required. 360-956-0818, http://hocm.org
Boo-Coda Spooktacular: Through Oct. 31 in Bucoda. Events include trick-or-treat (6-8 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 at Joe’s Place, 118 S. Main St.), haunted house (7-10 p.m. Oct. 28 and 31 and 7-11 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, Bucoda Haunted Gym, 403 N. Nenant St.), Family Fun Day (noon-5 p.m. Oct 30) and the Thrill the World Dance, Bucoda’s attempt to set a world record for the number of people dancing to “Thriller” (noon-3:30 p.m. Oct. 30). Most events are free; tickets for the haunted house are $13-$20. 360-278-3525, http://boo-coda.com
Gwinwood Ghost Camp: 6:30 p.m.-midnight Oct. 29 and 30, Gwinwood Retreat Center, 6015 30th Ave. SE, Lacey. The camp is a spooky drive-through experience that might not be suitable for young children. $10 per car, with reservations required. http://www.gwinwood.org/gwinwood-ghost-camp
Harvest Celebration: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 30, Olympia Farmers Market, 700 Capitol Way S., Olympia. Events include trick-or-treating, games, activities for kids and cooking demonstrations. Free. 360-352-9096, http://olympiafarmersmarket.com
Trick-or-Read: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30, 2424 Heritage Court SW, Olympia. Kids can get a book, candy and other goodies and take pictures with a seasonal backdrop at this drive-through event sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington and the South Sound Reading Foundation. Free. https://www.facebook.com/events/352896669908329/
Trick-or-Treat at Capital Mall: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31 at the mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia. For ages 12 and younger. Free. https://capitalmallolympia.com/event/trick-or-treat/
Halloween safety tips
If your Halloween plans include trick-or-treating, the Washington Department of Health recommends following these guidelines:
- Stick with members of your own household and distance when in crowded indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Wear a cloth mask. A plastic costume mask is not a suitable substitute.
- Wash your hands before and after trick-or-treating.
- Bring plenty of hand sanitizer.
The department also has tips for those handing out the candy:
- Limit candy to individually wrapped treat bags. This reduces the number of people who would typically touch items in a communal bowl.
- To avoid crowding, place treats on a table in your driveway or yard.
- Place a few mini pumpkins or other decorations 6 feet apart to signal a line and keep trick-or-treaters distanced while waiting for treats.
This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM.