Salem announces what Halloween will look like amid COVID-19 pandemic

SALEM — The city of Salem, which typically hosts a half-million people in the nights leading up to Halloween, gave its first look Tuesday at what the holiday will look like amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still presenting a significant public health and safety threat this year, many of the official events and activities that constitute Haunted Happenings will be either canceled or scaled back," the city announced.

The city said many of the events and programs that are part of the annual Haunted Happenings are not city-sponsored activities, but privately organized by local businesses and nonprofits.

"In all cases – whether an event is an official city-sponsored event or a privately-sponsored one – limitations imposed by the state’s reopening requirements will be in effect."

The city is assuming Phase 3 will remain in effect during that time, which prohibits indoor gatherings of more than 25 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

"While some events and activities may still be able to take place with restrictions, including several attractions, museums, walking tours, retail shops, and restaurants, many large-scale functions will not be able to proceed," the city said.

According to the city -- the following Haunted Happenings events and programs will not take place this year as they customarily do:

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

Mayor’s Night Out

Kids’ Costume Parade

Lanterns in the Village

Biz Baz Street Fair

Creative Collective Merchant Marketplace vendors

Salem Food Truck Festival

Outdoor food vendors, including Fiesta Shows food trucks

Great Salem Pumpkin Walk

Haunted Harmonies

Howl-o-ween pet parade

The city said street performers will also have limitations and must comply with social distancing guidelines and cannot cause groups to congregate in violation of the state requirements.

Salem city officials said they were evaluating the best course of action for Halloween night, "because we know people will still come to Salem on Halloween, just as they will come to Salem during the month of October."

The city said concerts, beer garden, and fireworks will not be planned.