City of Hermosa Beach issued the following announcement on Oct. 12
As fall approaches and the community begins to plan for the upcoming holiday season, beginning with Halloween, the City is providing public health and safety reminders and sharing safe alternatives that still promote festive holiday celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of our favorite Halloween celebrations involve large gatherings and close contact, the City’s Community Resources Department and several of our community organizations have come up with some creative and safe ways to celebrate Halloween in Hermosa.
Halloween in Hermosa Activities
Be sure to mark your calendars and sign up or participate in these Halloween-themed activities. Let us know what fun and safe activities you have planned for this spooky season by using the hashtag #halloweeninhermosa on social media.
Virtual Activities
Week of 10/19 – Home and Business Halloween Decorating Contest - Through the City's social media channels, the community is invited to submit pictures of their outdoor Halloween-themed home and business decorations. The Parks & Rec team will post photos throughout the week. At the end of the week, one lucky entry will be chosen to receive our first annual Golden Pumpkin award.
Week of 10/26 – Pumpkin Carving Contest - Through the City's social media channels, the community is invited to submit pictures of their pumpkin carvings. The Parks & Rec team will post photos throughout the week. At the end of the week, one lucky entry will receive our first annual Golden Pumpkin award.
10/29 – Haunting Stories of the South Bay – In the spirit of the spooky season, the Hermosa Beach Museum will host a Scary Stories series via zoom at 6:30 PM on October 29. They are also seeking locally based haunted tales or encounters for their collections and archives to highlight via social media. Submit your stories to hermosabeachmuseum@gmail.com
Socially Distant Activities
10/16 – Halloween Inspired Walking Areas – Beginning October 16, the Community Resources Department will install a series of “goofy” Halloween inspired signs on the Greenbelt near the intersection of Valley Drive and Pier Avenue that encourage those walking by to get into the Halloween spirit!
10/30 – Sunny Drive-By Costume Reveals – On Friday, October 30, the Community Resources Department mascot, Sunny, will do a series of "drive-by costume reveals” where Sunny will visit the homes of preregistered participants. Kids can show off their Halloween costume to Sunny and take a socially distant photo. Space is limited. Visits will be approximately 5 minutes. Register online for this great event!
Plan Your Own Halloween Activity
Rather than engaging in higher-risk activities such as door-to-door trick-or-treating and “trunk or treating” this year, the City recommends planning events that reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission.
- Decorate homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations.
- Online parties/contests (e.g., costume or pumpkin carving);
- Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants;
- At-home scary movie night, consider locally-filmed classics - like Carrie - highlighted in our Hermosa Beach from Home Collection
- Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members are not permitted even if they are conducted outdoors.
- Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are not allowed.
Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
It is also important to keep the following precautions in mind when celebrating Halloween and other upcoming holidays:
- Always wear a cloth face covering when in public;
- Avoid confined spaces. Actively stay away from indoor spaces that do not allow for easy distancing of at least six feet;
- Avoid close contact with others. Stay at least six feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household, especially while talking, eating, drinking and singing;
- Wash or sanitize your hands often;
- Clean frequently touched items regularly; and
- If you are sick, or if you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to your safety. If you are going to participate in trick-or-treating activities, there are a few pedestrian and public safety tips to help make sure everyone stays safe. Help be safe and been seen by following these key safety guidelines:
- Parents should always accompany young children – even in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on or an indicator that the home is participating in the night’s festivities.
- Never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Make sure you and your child can be seen in dim light/the dark of night. Wear reflective tape or bright costumes. Flashlights also help.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. Always use a crosswalk to cross the street.
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