HILBERT (NBC26) -- Just days from Halloween, the Village of Hilbert called off its trick-or-treating hours due to growing COVID-19 concerns.
Ghosts, pumpkins and skeletons are set up outside Hilbert homes in anticipation of an event that's no longer happening.
The Village of Hilbert originally planned trick-or-treating for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event followed CDC guidelines for moderate risk Halloween activities, encouraging social distancing, use of face coverings and individually wrapped goodie bags for families to grab and go.
“It’s extremely disappointing. They had a plan early on and they just pulled that rug from under us," said Ashley Cappelle, a Hilbert resident. “It was really upsetting. I had to tell my kids yet another fun activity has been canceled because of COVID-19.”
As an alternative, Cappelle said her seven and 9-year-old children will dress up in costumes and hang out with friends they normally see at their house.
“They’re at least going to have something, but taking away trick-or-treating all together was just not needed," Cappelle said.
Katie Suring and her husband moved to Hilbert in January. This would've been their first time handing out candy to neighborhood kids.
But this year, COVID-19 has hit close to home.
“I have a sister in Illinois that’s sick right now. Just found that out this week," Suring said.
Although Suring said it's a bummer kids have to miss out on a fun Halloween activity, the news of her sister has made the holiday feel a bit different than normal.
“I think ultimately for the safety of everyone. If we need to cancel it, we need to cancel it just to keep everybody safe," Suring said.
Officials with the village said people should find other ways to celebrate Halloween this year following CDC guidelines. Some low risk activities the CDC lists include carving pumpkins, in-home scavenger hunts, movie nights and virtual costume contests.
Brillion's trick-or-treating event is still set to take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Chief Joe Diener, Brillion Fire Department, said they are asking participants to practice social distancing and wear face coverings. Homeowners that would like to take part in the event should turn on their porch lights.
"As we go through these uncertain times, we felt it would be okay to continue to offer the opportunity of this family event on Halloween," Diener said in an email.
With other communities canceling trick-or-treating events, Diener said they understand Brillion might see extra trick-or-treaters this year. He said they ask everyone participating to follow directions they've laid out.
