This year, Halloween celebrations have been mostly cancelled due to COVID-19. Many traditional celebrations, such as trick-or- treating and going to the pumpkin patch have now been put on hold.
One of Long Beach’s popular and most loved fall destinations, Pa’s Pumpkin Patch, located on PCH, north of Seal Beach, has announced that they will not open this year due to COVID- 19 after 45 years of running.
“We cannot do it anymore because of the COVID this year,” said Gail Thacker, the owner of Pa’s Pumpkin Patch. “But we will be back next year.”
Despite the closure of the pumpkin patch this year, Thacker said she hopes that they will be able to open the Christmas Tree lot that they open every year in the same place. “We are praying we can open up the Christmas Tree Lot this year,” Thacker said.
“My son and I are very upset. This is a huge part of our income for the year and our customers are very sad because they come every year. It’s been a family tradition for years,” Thacker said.
Los Angeles County of Public Health has advised to not participate in trick-or-treating and has not permitted parties this year. While it is not mandated to stay inside, many residents are not planning to continue the tradition of trick-or-treating.
Naples Island is a popular spot in Long Beach to go trick-or-treating or party for Halloween. Naples is known for its elaborate Halloween decorations all over the neighborhood, bringing crowds that visit every year.
Due to COVID-19, many residents are planning to cancel the tradition of decorating.
Naples resident Laurie Sisneros said, “We are not planning to put up decorations this year, nor do I think my neighbors are putting up any decorations this year.”
Sisneros has been putting up decorations every year for Halloween, until this year.
“We plan to stay home this year, watch a movie and hang out for the night,” said Sisneros. “I have not heard of any sort of parties or decorations that my neighbors will be planning.”
Even with two of the biggest Halloween celebrations cancelled this year and with large gatherings being prohibited by L.A. County, there are still ways for people to celebrate Halloween.
There are many activities that people can do safely, such as decorating your home with Halloween decorations, carving or painting pumpkins at home, baking fall inspired desserts, attending virtual parties, going to a car parade, and watching scary movies at home.
Among the uncertainty of this year, we can all look forward to hopefully being able to celebrate Halloween, restriction free, next year.