Buffalo Grove will allow, but not endorse, trick-or-treating

Buffalo Grove officials will allow trick-or-treating on Halloween, but they aren't endorsing it.

Evan Michel, assistant to the village manager, said during Monday's village board meeting that because of the dangers of COVID-19 - Buffalo Grove has seen 647 confirmed cases to date - the town is not recommending trick-or-treating this year.

However, the village is stopping short of a ban, since that would require police enforcement, he said.

"This is absolutely the best way to go," Trustee Lester Ottenheimer III said. "We just want to make sure that everybody is responsible and respectful."

Trick-or-treating will be allowed between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

Recommendations include refraining from taking part if you or someone in your home is ill, avoiding groups and trick-or-treating only with household members.

Those giving out candy should turn on porch or outdoor lights to let trick-or-treaters know their home can be approached.

Residents who want to give out treats but avoid people at their door can host a "trunk or treat" by decorating a car and placing candy in an open trunk, or hang treats from a clothesline at children's height.

Trustees discussed making the hours earlier this year, since Halloween falls on a Saturday, but ultimately stuck with the traditional 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. window.

"That's what our residents are used to," Trustee Joanne Johnson said. "If we change it, it's just going to cause a lot of confusion.

"For the older kids that trick or treat, they love coming out when it's slightly dark," she added. "I know my kids couldn't wait until they could go out at dusk on their own. They were only 12. It was a big deal."