Halloween in Celebration has always been a ‘must-do’ for residents in the Central Florida community.

From extensive yard displays, to residents in costume and even a house converted into a pirate ship, holidays are a special place in the community.

However, while the calendar will still turn to October 31 and say Halloween, due to COVID-19, the community is discouraging trick-or-treating in 2020.

On September 21, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially discouraged trick-or-treating this year, citing that many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. In following the recommendations of the CDC, the Celebration Residential Owners Association (CROA) Board of Directors is endorsing that guidance by encouraging residents to forego traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating this year.

In addition to community notifications, signage will be visible at all entrances to the community alerting visitors to the changes for this year.

For those looking for ways to celebrate Halloween in their own communities, the CDC offered the following recommendations as potential low-risk alternatives:
• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest with friends and relatives
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

The community appreciates everyone’s understanding regarding these changes and hopes everyone stays safe and healthy during the holiday season.