CDRC to host Drive-Thru Trick or Treat event on Halloween

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

While Halloween night is panning out to look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shelburne Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (CDRC) will be hosting a Drive-Thru Trick or Treat event. 

“We wanted to provide something that was different but still fun for the community, that gives the kids a chance to dress up, get into the Halloween spirit and not lose Halloween altogether” said Emily Francis, recreation program co-ordinator at CDRC. 

The CDRC, on Halloween Day (Oct. 31) between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. will be hosting a drive thru style event allowing for attendees to dress up in their costumes and trick or treat with local businesses and groups. Remaining in their cars the entire time, participants will drive through the parking lot of the CDRC seeing both Halloween decorations and displays put together by the vendors. 

At the time of print there are between eight and 10 vendors from local businesses, including real estate agents, retail operations, and health care services. 

The CDRC Trick or Treat Drive Thru, Francis says, gives a safer option for those who want to take part in the activities of Halloween, but might not want to do the traditional trick or treating. 

“Some people may be more comfortable and willing to attend an event like this than to go trick-or-treating in town,” said Francis. 

Leading up to Halloween night, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has released tips for communities outside of the modified stage 2 zones (Peel, Toronto and York Region). 

Tips from WDGPH include restricting close contact to those you live with, physical distancing, wearing face coverings, good hand hygiene, and having treats available separately to reduce the number of people handling. 

Public Health has said that it is safe to trick or treat with precautions, but is discouraging any Halloween parties or gatherings. 

Although a free event, the CDRC is asking for people to register before the event receiving a ticket per child attending and scheduling a 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. entrance time slot.