Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect concerns raised by Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro.
Haverhill’s Halloween Trick or Treat night is still a go for next month, despite misgivings from Haverhill police chief.
This year, trick or treat takes place on Halloween as city code specifies the children’s night takes place on the last Saturday in October, between 5 and 7 p.m. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said it is his intention to continue with the tradition provided community spread of the virus doesn’t get worse.
“Trick or treat is a wonderful time for kids,” Fiorentini said in a statement. “And, whether it be car parades, leaving out candy without contact, each neighborhood organizing on their own or something else, we want to do something for our children.”
Asked for his thoughts on the annual tradition, Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro said he has deep concerns.
“I am extremely concerned that we’re going to do anything that encourages groups of kids to go out door-to-door in search of candy,” the chief told WHAV.
Noting the City of Lawrence has already cancelled Halloween and other communities could follow, DeNaro said he is concerned there will be that many more children on Haverhill streets. “If other communities cancel, you’re going to get an additional influx into Haverhill from those communities that have done commonsense approaches and cancelled Halloween,” he explained.
“I think it is a bad move at this time when we’re cancelling parades, events, all of that around the state, and we’re going to do Halloween?” the chief added.
A number of residents have inquired about trick or treat on social media. The mayor is asking residents to send him ideas the same way or by email. Either way, he said, “have those costumes ready!”
–Earlier–
Haverhill’s Halloween Trick or Treat night is still a go for next month, but will be shaped by state coronavirus guidelines.
This year, trick or treat takes place on Halloween as city code specifies the children’s night takes place on the last Saturday in October, between 5 and 7 p.m. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said it is his intention to continue with the tradition provided community spread of the virus doesn’t get worse.
“Trick or treat is a wonderful time for kids,” Fiorentini said in a statement. “And, whether it be car parades, leaving out candy without contact, each neighborhood organizing on their own or something else, we want to do something for our children.”
A number of residents have inquired about trick or treat on social media. The mayor is asking residents to send him ideas the same way or by email. Either way, he said, “have those costumes ready!”