Families, communities prepare for a different Halloween experience

Halloween will be celebrated a bit differently this year. We have a look at what people can expect this holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on what kinds events are in the works here in our valley and how they are keeping people safe. 

There might not be a lot of tricks this year but despite coronavirus this halloween can still be a treat. 

“We are going to do trunk or treat and ride by candy pick-ups in desert hot springs," said Andrea Lalanne.

While many people have reservations about celebrating this spooky holiday in the more traditional way. The Lalanne family is still dressing up 

Community organizers across the valley have also chimed in as they prepare for alternatives for families.

The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage opening up their campus for the first time since the shutdown with their annual boo!seum event this Saturday. 

“I am so excited to see the families back even if its a just a quick little drive thru," said Gregoria Rodriguez, Chief Programs and Exhibits Officer at Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.

Now that event is a free drive thru trick or treat for children 12 and under. The spokesperson for the museum said there are safety measures in place. 

“No body is getting out of the car but we will have two stations set up, one for the car to pick up an activity bucket. And the second station will be so that they can pick up some goody bags of some treats.” 

Another parking lot thats turning into a festive place, The River in Rancho Mirage with their first trunk or treat event on Saturday. 

“People will come in their cars and drive quite slowly you’ll have a slew of vendors on the side all in costume and waving and at the end you’ll get a bag of goodies for each child in the car," said Annemarie Campbell, Director of Events at The River.

Director of events, Annemarie Campbell said its contact-less activity. 

“The candy that is being bagged is all being with people who are wearing gloves as well as face mask the candy has been completely sanitized and when its placed into the trunks its placed with people who have gloves," said Campbell.

And other option for ten dollars thats going on for two days this week, the YMCA's Halloween Drive thru maze at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. 

“Characters will be wearing a mask," said Dallas Campbell, YMCA Program Director. "The spectators will not leave their car. They'll stay in their car. we're going to remain six feet away from the car.”

• Trunk-or-Treat on Halloween evening at the River at Rancho Mirage
  • The River at Rancho Mirage is hosting a "Trunk or Treat" night. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy the FREE drive-thru event taking place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • There will be some spooktacular set-ups from several businesses including KESQ News Channel 3, BMW, Target, Ben and Jerry's, Hats Unlimited, Renova Solar Energy, Hot Yoga Plus PS, David's Plumbing and many more.
• Howl-O-Ween at the Living Desert
  • Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert
  • Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and explore the Zoo for a socially-distant and family-friendly adventure
  • Saturday, October 31 from 8 am – 5 pm
  • A limited number of tickets available. 
    Click here to buy your tickets

ADVERTISING

• Decorate Your Car Contest & Treat Giveaway
  • Drive through the Indio Community Center parking lot and visit the Halloween Themed Booths and pick up treats
  • Participate in our Car Decorating Contests and Win Prizes
  • Event goes from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Halloween Lane
  • Drive-thru Halloween Lane and check out the spooky scenes and pick up treats!
  • Takes place at the Mecca Community Center located at 65-250 Coahuilla Street in Mecca
  • Event goes from 5 pm to 7 pm
• Coachella Halloween Bike Ride
  • Friday at 7 PM; Ride begins at 8PM
  • Coachella City Hall
  • Costume contest with cash prizes