Halloween Guidelines from Mayor Manzo

To Our Harrison Family,

As stated previously, the Governor announced recently that Trick or Treating will be allowed this year, based on parameters and guidelines dictated by the NJ Department of Health (DOH). We have crafted our local guidelines to fit within the DOH rules. Halloween, October 31st, falls on a Saturday this year, two weeks from this coming Saturday.

Please take a moment to review the Halloween Guidance Sheet our Municipal Clerk’s Office has prepared for the community. The sheet outlines the general guidelines, like 3-8PM Trick or Treating timeframe and the need to wear a face-covering over your mouth and nose (in addition to any costume mask). But our local guidelines go further to make “best practices” suggestions pertaining to parties, participation if exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual and the use of communal candy/treat bowls.

Clearly, opting out is totally within your individual control, as it should be. This includes choosing not to hand out candy or treats from your home this year, even though you normally would do so. Our parents and hardcore Trick or Treaters will understand. The spirit of our community respects both the decision to participate or the decision to abstain. As one young person told me in ShopRite the other day, “I am Harrison Strong!” and they showed me a picture of his Halloween costume…a Harrison Strong Superhero, with all the trimmings – including a homemade mask, a cape, gloves and a shirt with the logo from our Harrison Strong banners. Gotta love it! Happy Halloween…enjoy the day.