Aberdeen Halloween Spooktacular trick or treat event canceled

Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The annual downtown Aberdeen trick-or-treat event has been added to the list of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I made a decision to cancel our hosting the downtown Spooktacular on Halloween in downtown Aberdeen on Halloween Oct. 31,” said Downtown Aberdeen Association Director Wil Russoul in a Facebook post Friday, adding it was “heart-breaking” to make the announcement.

“I do want to thank everyone who worked hard to host this,” said Russoul. “I know I have said we need to have something this year for our kids and families. And at the same time our businesses have worked hard and struggled to reopen. I cannot be a part of an event that could harm either side.”

Russoul is asking community members to come to him with suggestions for a downtown event to be held at a time when “COVID is over.” He can be reached at 360-500-5334.

“Let’s look forward to our own Aberdeen day of celebration and take time to share our stories then,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hoquiam Business Association continues with its plans for a downtown trick-or-treat celebration — Haunted Hoquiam — on Oct. 31, leading up to the showing of the movie classic “Shrek” at the 7th Street Theatre. Downtown businesses, following state COVID-19 guidelines, are planning to hand out candy to costumed kids between 1 and 3 p.m. A map of participating businesses should be posted ahead of the event on the organization’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/hoquiambusinessassociation.