Spooky, but Make it Safe: Happy COVID Halloween!

Before 2020 became the certified disaster of a year we now know it to be, there was a lot of excitement about the timing of some of its important dates: Christmas on a Friday, July 4 on a Saturday and yes, Halloween on a Saturday. College students across America rejoiced! The view from January promised the “Halloweekend” of their dreams. However, come March, that dream was put on pause. Visions of an epic weekend and group costumes were packed away, replaced by thoughts of quarantines and social distancing protocols.

But things have changed a bit since the early days of lockdown. Now that we’re back in school and surrounded by our peers, there may be an urge to fulfill those pre-COVID Halloween fantasies. I urge you, let’s not throw away all the good work we’ve done so far for one (or two or three) nights of partying, especially when there are so many other, fun options to fill up our time this Halloweekend. I present to you a definitive list of COVID-friendly activities on campus and in the greater Syracuse area! This list includes something for everyone—from thrill-lovers to people who are scared by the Halloween episodes of Disney kids shows (no shame).

For the Easily Scared

Pumpkin painting

  • The dorm-friendly alternative to traditional pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting is a cute and cheap way to spend time with friends this Halloween, and you end up with a nice, homemade decoration. I cannot recommend in any specific terms, but I encourage you to spice up this event in any way that you see fit (responsibly, of course).

Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park

  • New this year, Dunkin’ Halloween at the Park is a mile-long, drive-thru Halloween experience. Cars follow a lighted path through scenes of haunted villages filled with ghosts, witches and other things that go bump in the night. Tickets are $10 per car, Sunday through Thursday, and $15 per car, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are presale only, so get yours today on their website.

Disney Halloween movie marathon

  • This one is pretty self-explanatory. Pop some popcorn, settle down with your fellow scaredy-cats and enjoy a night of nostalgia. You can add some fun by playing games inspired by the movies cheesiness.

Halloween-themed photoshoot

  • You’ve most likely seen the TikToks of people donning old-fashioned ghost costumes and taking pictures— do something like that. An important side note: there has been some controversy around these ghost photoshoots, so participate at your own discretion. Maybe consider a vampire, or zombie photoshoot instead!

For the Bold

Orange After Dark Insidious Late Night Movie

  • Orange After Dark is screening James Wan’s terrifying 2010 movie “Insidious,” about a family whose son gets possessed after they move into a haunted house. Movies are shown in Gifford Auditorium at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. No tickets needed, just show up! Insidious will be playing from October 30 through November

Fright Nights (formerly at the Fair)

  • Our very own Syracuse is home to one of the scariest haunted attractions in New York state. While Fright Nights is a slightly different experience this year, as there is no State Fair, the scares are still there! In addition to dozens of state-of-the-art exhibits, Fright Nights hosts the largest “Jurassic Dark” dinosaur scare attraction in the country, and the massive 82,000 square foot warehouse means that you can be terrified while maintaining proper social distance! See what scares await!

The Trail of Terror

  • About a half-hour north of Syracuse in Fulton, NY lies “CNY’s longest-running Halloween attraction,” The Trail of Terror. Celebrating its 31st season, The Trail of Terror operates from 7 to 10 p.m. every night, with tickets to walk the trail running at $13 per person. There’s a reason it’s the longest-running attraction—it’s terrifying. COVID rules and more information can be found on their website.

Finally, if you insist on partying this Halloween, keep it small and stick to the Stay Safe Pledge! If not, you could be subject to immediate probation or more severe consequences. And, if you choose to drink, know the risks and make good choices. Remember your C.U.P.S. (the four signs of alcohol poisoning): Cold skin, Unresponsiveness, Puking, Slow breathing, and call for help if someone needs medical assistance. Here are a few tips to Be Wise this Halloween:

  • Host a Zoom or Google Hangout with other people around campus.
  • Utilize the floor lounge in your building for alcohol-free movie or game nights.
  • Avoid sharing food and drinks, especially from communal containers.
  • Go out to dinner with your friends. Try a patio or a park if the weather is nice.
  • Avoid sharing e-cigarettes or vaping devices.
  • Evaluate event attendance and if social distancing is possible.
  • Keep gatherings small and outside as much as possible.
  • Have a Netflix watch party.
  • Listen to music with friends and social distance with Spotify Group Sessions.
  • Keep gatherings small, only meet with people from your residence hall.

Written by Cecelia Kersten ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

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