The popularity of Main Street Batesville’s Fun & Safe Halloween trick-or-treat event will make it difficult to hold this October due to social distancing regulations and other coronavirus guidelines, according to Main Street Batesville (MSB) and downtown merchants. But there are plans for a scaled-back Halloween celebration on Main Street. And the popular haunted house, “The River Haunt,” has received approval to open Oct. 3. “The River Haunt” is a fundraiser for MSB.
Mandi Curtwright, executive director of MSB, said there is not a method to manage the large crowds who have attended the event in the past.
“Not being able to ensure measures like social distancing among participants was key to our decision,” Curtwright said.
Last year, Fun & Safe Halloween drew 3,000 people in the two hours it was held within Batesville’s historic district.
“The downtown merchants are developing ways families can still enjoy Halloween in a safe environment,” Curtwright said.
In lieu of downtown trick-or-treating, there will be activities such as a scavenger hunt; treat and activity bags to-go; and an online costume contest that will be held from Oct. 26 through Oct. 31.
Meanwhile, “The River Haunt” has received operating approval from the Arkansas Department of Health.
“The River Haunt” will open on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at 570 Stadium Dr. in Batesville. Admission will be $10.
A full schedule of events and activities will be announced Oct. 1 online at mainstreetbatesville.org.
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