Houlton trick-or-treaters find plenty to do in spite of pandemic

HOULTON, Maine — While COVID-19 cases continue to rise again across the country, it was going to take more than the virus to deter Houlton residents from engaging in Halloween festivities and traditions. 

In a socially distanced version of trick-or-treating, Houlton’s Main Street was transformed in the late afternoon Saturday to set up several tables where various businesses downtown gave out free candy to kids wearing costumes. It was the second year of doing so downtown, although this year accommodations had to be made to account for social distancing. 

“It was a shame that it had to be tempered this year,” said Emily Harvey, who owns Bastion’s Tavern with her husband James, and was the one who originally came up with the idea to do the event the previous year. “But the Chamber of Commerce and the Rec Center did a great job of organizing a COVID-conscious trick-or-treating experience.” 

Several organizations, such as the U.S. Border Patrol and the local Girl Scouts chapter, were at tables where they gave out treats. Jenni Lowe, a member of the Border Patrol Agent Family Network, was one of the people handing out candy. 

“Everyone was just kind of walking around and handing out candy,” said Lowe. “Considering the situation, it worked out fine this year.”

But the restrictions on social distancing at the downtown event meant that parents had to pre-register their children to attend with limited availability, meaning not everyone could attend. 

For those who missed out, there remained opportunities for socially distanced trick-or-treating. Not too far from downtown, Houlton Wesleyan Church held its annual “trunk-or-treat” event, where kids could receive candy from the backs of cars in the church’s parking lot. 

Originally conceived as a safer alternative to regular trick-or-treating, the trunk-or-treat took on  additional meaning this year as spaced out cars and line meant that parents could rest assured they would be apart from each other. 

Elaine Mackay, who wasn’t able to register for the downtown event, brought her two daughters Kaylee and DJ to the trunk-or-treat event instead. 

“It’s a bummer when we don’t have so many parties to go to,” she said. “But we come to this event every year, and it’s a lot of fun.” 

The Rev. Wayne Robertson, pastor for Houlton Wesleyan Church, said that although his church’s event could not do any of its usual inside activities, it was worth it to continue to bring Halloween to Houlton. 

“Our people rallied around wonderfully and said we still want to do something for the community, and for the kids,” Robertson said. “We don’t want them missing out on everything. Halloween is a fun part of our town, and we wanted to be a part of it.”