Many Halloween celebrations return after pandemic pause
Halloween this year is looking a lot more like what many people have been used to in years past. The pandemic put a hold on the usual Halloween celebrations last year. Now, with fewer coronavirus restrictions, more families can enjoy the spooky weekend.
According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, an estimated 65% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year. That's compared to 58% in 2020 during the pandemic and 68% in 2019 before the pandemic.
Last year, consumers adjusted many of their typical #Halloween plans due to the pandemic. This year, two-thirds (65%) of consumers plan to celebrate one of America’s favorite holidays, up from 58% in 2020. https://t.co/PyfsljPNsE pic.twitter.com/EyPjr1yNPQ
— National Retail Federation (@NRFnews) October 19, 2021
There were several spooky events in the valley for Halloween. One of them was the Howl-O-Ween event at The Living Desert . Guests of all ages were invited and encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume. The zoo was filled with family-friendly Halloween-themed festivities like treat bags and scavenger hunts.
Mary Vandenboom and her family went to The Living Desert Howl-O-Ween event to celebrate the holiday. Her family was wearing matching bee costumes.
“We had kind of a Halloween weekend, which we would not have been able to do last year," said Vandenboom. "So we were able to do a little bit of everything. And of course it's why we came out today and it's good to see everybody out and all the different kids and seeing their sweet smiling faces. It's perfect.”
Coachella Valley resident Debra Arellano said she plans to take her grandkids trick-or-treating this year and make up for what was lost last year.
“Did we trick or treat last year? No, we didn't.... So last year, we would not take [the grandkids] out for COVID reasons," said Arellano. "[The kids are] excited. They've had Halloween parties... As to last year, you know, they just got the candy and played dress up in the house. Not the same.”
