Anoka, ‘Halloween Capital of the World,’ changing festivities in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic

Joe Mazan

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Los Angeles County in California canceled Halloween events because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year.

Trick-or-treating, haunted houses and Halloween parades have been nixed under new health guidelines.

KSTP has not heard of any communities in Minnesota canceling trick-or-treating, but one town is changing its Halloween celebration.

In Anoka, noted as the "Halloween Capital of the World," this year’s 100th-year festival will be smaller and include a drive-by parade.

Rosedale Center to host ‘Deadly Drive-In’ Halloween event

[KSTP]

"What’s different this year is everything’s been moved outside," Liz McFarland, Anoka Halloween President, said. "Our Grand Day Parade is going to be held in several locations throughout the city and it’s going to be drive-by only so you can participate inside your car. So COVID friendly with everything but a much much smaller festival, however, something instead of nothing for our 100th year."

The Minnesota Department of Health tells KSTP they have not talked about a safety plan for Halloween, but they will release guidance as the holiday gets closer.