Halloween 2020
Halloween 2020
For those looking to celebrate, there ARE options … with safety in mind, of course.
Halloween will be in session this year, despite the fact that every other adult will be dressed as the coronavirus (Corona beer plus green shirt), and with a few added precautions. The Village of Ellicottville, although they are not condoning trick-or-treating, are allowing it on Halloween night and have set the times from 6:00-8:00pm, meaning kids will still be able to enjoy the annual tradition of dressing as their favorite character and ringing doorbells to get way more candy than their parents want them to eat. The Village of Ellicottville does ask that anyone taking part in trick-or-treating abide by the safety regulations set forth by the Cattaraugus County Health Department. (Aka wear your masks, social distance, and be sure to respect any boundaries set by homeowners!)
Of course, trick-or-treating isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Since Halloween has become more and more popular throughout the years, there’s no shortage of different types of events to get your spook on. Even with Covid-19, many local groups and businesses have found ways to host Halloween happenings in a safe way. Without further ado, here is a small list of events for everyone to celebrate in their preferred way.
For the Foodie: If you’re like me, you look for any excuse to eat, drink and be merry. Lucky for us, there’s a few restaurants that think like us too. The Ashford Station Bistro in West Valley will be hosting a Halloween Harvest Dinner and Masquerade on the 31st beginning at 7:00pm. Reservations are recommended for this specialty dinner feast, and wearing costumes is highly encouraged. A live band, the ChillBillys, will take the stage at 6:00pm.
Four Mile Brewing in Olean will also be holding a Halloween bash, complete with a costume contest. Mark your calendars for October 30th, with 6:00pm marking the beginning of the overall celebration. Four Mile will also have a swag raffle, and will adhere to New York State Covid mask guidelines.
For the Athlete: It wouldn’t be Halloween in Ellicottville without the EVL Halloween Half Marathon and 5k. This year’s iteration will take place on Saturday, October 24th. Although formatted a bit differently this year to meet Covid-19 regulations, runners without a doubt are amping up in Halloween spirit to show off their crazy costumes in this refreshing, in-person event.
For the Adventurer: Anyone looking to embrace the scary side of the holiday can check out Wildwood Sanitarium Restoration Project’s Ghost Hunt. Hosted on the grounds in Salamanca, tickets include a tour inside and outside the building, history and stories from the site, and of course, attempts to connect with the other side. Owner and psychic medium Lori Wagatha will be using their equipment, but it is encouraged to bring your own ghost hunting equipment if you have some. While the Ghost Hunt is sold out for the 31st, there are still tickets available for the 24th.
A different type of adventurer, the off-road enthusiast, will be able to combine their favorite hobby with Halloween this year. The Woods at Bear Creek in Franklinville will be hosting a dice run, complete with a costume contest and raffle, with the actual trail ride beginning at noon on Halloween. While food is not included, the group invites participants to tailgate on the grounds.
This list is, of course, in no way exhaustive. Details can be found online by searching any of the above event names. Be sure to check out if your favorite local spots are hosting their own spooky events. As long as everyone remembers to respect each other and stay safe, Halloween 2020 shouldn’t stray too far from the type of night we know and love. Perhaps the night will be even more special, as a full moon is expected - an event that only happens every 18 to 19 years.