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Halloween fun available despite global pandemic

runk or Treats, parade among events

A skeleton wearing a suit appears to be climbing out of the ground from his grave in a Martins Ferry yard.

MARTINS FERRY — Those looking for some fall and Halloween fun for the family this season appear to have no shortage of choices.

Most local communities have decided to go ahead with trick-or-treat sessions despite the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are other Halloween-themed events happening as well to allow children to show off their costumes and get candy.

For example, Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry is slated to host a trunk or treat from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 25 in the gazebo parking lot at Fifth and Hanover streets.

“Trunk or treat is a unique way of having a Halloween party for area children, while still maintaining social distancing rules and regulations. Everyone must wear a mask, and people giving out treats to the children will be wearing gloves,” according to a social media post about the event.

The first 100 children will receive a coupon for a free slice of Zontini’s Pizza, along with a coupon for a free baked good at Tina’s Sweet Celebrations. Both businesses are in Martins Ferry.

In the village of Dillonvale, a Halloween parade is being organized by the Dillonvale Volunteer Fire Department, starting at noon Oct. 24 at the village’s picnic grounds. There will be a costume contest, games, food and a cake walk.

Another trunk or treat is planned from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Buffalo Wild Wings in St. Clairsville. Participants will be asked to wear a mask and to social distance because of the coronavirus. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The Bellaire Planning Committee also plans to hold its annual trunk or treat from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Bellaire Village Park. A rain date for the event is Oct. 29. The free event will begin at the corner of the park on Guernsey Street near the front of the high school. A blue tent will be set up there. People are asked to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those handing out treats are expected to wear gloves and masks, too.

Across the Ohio River in Ohio County, the Salvation Army of Wheeling is planning a trunk or treat from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at its church building, located at 3333 Eoff St., Wheeling. Organizers also ask people to social distance there as well.

In Monroe County, members of the Monroe Powwow Committee are organizing a trunk or treat from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Hannibal Locks and Dam.

For those who would rather stick to their neighborhood and participate in traditional trick-or-treating, following is a list of communities that so far have announced they are planning sessions, all on Oct. 31:

Adena — 5: 30-7 p.m.

Bellaire — 6-7:30 p.m.

Belmont — 6-7 p.m.

Bridgeport — 6-7 p.m.

Brookside — 6-7 p.m.

Cadiz — 3-5 p.m.

Clarington — 6-7:30 p.m.

Martins Ferry — 6-7 p.m.

Mount Pleasant — 5-6: 30 p.m.

Shadyside — 6-7:30 p.m.

Steubenville — 5:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Clairsville — 5:30-7 p.m.

Woodsfield — 5:30-7 p.m.

Yorkville — 6-7:30 p.m.

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