There’s been a some confusion about Halloween and trick-or-treating this year since the holiday falls on a Sunday.
The City of Martinsville says it will observe Halloween on the traditional day of October 31st.
Although must local events will take place on Saturday, the typical house-to house trick-or-treating activities are not approved for Saturday night, according to the city.
A list of those events can be found here.
What about in Henry County?
“The Halloween is not an officially recognized holiday by Virginia or Henry County, and the County does not recommend a specific day or time to celebrate the occasion. The County requests parents choose Halloween related activities that are safe, well supervised and take into consideration that the County is still experiencing a high level of COVID cases among adults and children,” the county said in an email.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office put together a list of tips to remind children, parents and motorist to be safe.
The sheriff's office reminds you to be aware that NASCAR Cup Series racing is coming to the Martinsville Speedway this weekend and there will be increased traffic volumes, especially in the area of Greensboro Road.
Trick-or-Treaters
A responsible adult should accompany children while trick-or-treating.
If older children are going without adult supervision, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
Agree on a specific time children should return home.
Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home, only visit well-it homes.
Teach your children to never get into a strangers car.
Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
Children out after dark should fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, along with glow sticks.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
Teach children to never dart into the street or cross between parked cars.
Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down and keep their heads up while walking.
The Treats
Tell children to not eat anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Don’t eat homemade treats made by strangers.
Children shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect their treats before they eat any of it.
Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Be aware of brand imitators.
Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
Motorist
Get rid of any distractions - like your phone and radio.
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
Watch for children wearing dark clothing.
Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween. For those expecting trick-or-treaters
Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
Please put your pets in a safe location so they don’t inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
COVID-19
Costume masks with openings around the mouth and nose do not substitute for a mask for COVID-19 prevention - a well-fitted mask for COVID-19 prevention can be worn underneath most costume masks.
Wear a well fitted mask in indoor settings and outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, or others if you are sick.
Please wash your hands before preparing Halloween treats or goodie bags.
Avoid handling or distributing Halloween treats if you are feeling sick or may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.