Trick or Treating in the Valley: 2020 Edition
your guide to safely gathering sweets with your little goblins
James Johonnott, photos by Randy Lee |
This year has brought unique challenges to the Chippewa Valley, and the Halloween season is no exception. Every year, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie have a variety of trick-or-treating events and times available. This year, events are being re-imagined for the safety of everyone in the community.
We've compiled some helpful information below so you can figure out what events are right for you this spooky season:
Health and Safety Tips
If trick-or-treating hours are posted in your city, please practice the following health and safety tips:
- If you're sick, don't go trick-or-treating or hand out candy
- Mask up. Wear a cloth face covering (and incorporate it into your costume for added spooky effect!)
- Keep your circle small. Only trick-or -treat with people you live with.
- Practice 6-feet physical distancing from those you don't live with.
- Use hand sanitizer often, and wash hands before eating any treats.
- Hand out candy in small grab bags or cups to avoid physical contact.
Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating Times
Eau Claire
Trick-or-treating hours in the City of Eau Claire will be 5-7:30pm on Saturday, Oct. 31. Unlike past years, trick-or-treating will not be held downtown. Instead, Downtown Eau Claire Inc. is promoting a “Halloween Hop” from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 31.
You can learn more about the City of Eau Claire's COVID-19 health and safety considerations at covid19eauclaire.org.
Menomonie
Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Menomonie is not posting trick-or-treating hours.
Chippewa Falls
The City of Chippewa Falls has trick-or-treating hours from 5-7pm on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Events
Chippewa Falls Trick-or-Treat at the Fairgrounds
Friday, Oct. 30, 3-5pm • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds • Chippewa Falls
Dress up and bring the kiddos up to the fairgrounds for a modified version of annual downtown trick-or-treating. Stay in your car and costumed volunteers will hand goodie bags through the car window for each costumed child while supplies last.
Trunk-or-Treat at Banbury Place
Friday, Oct. 30, 6-8pm • Banbury Place Parking Lot • Eau Claire
Downtown Eau Claire Halloween Hop
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9am-5pm • Downtown Eau Claire
Downtown businesses will have spooktacular deals and steals. There will be a window decoration contest, and come in costume and submit a picture to be entered in the costume contest.
- Featured Businesses include:
- Board & Brush Eau Claire
- Chippewa Valley Floral
- My Office Bar EC
- Tangled Up in Hue
- That's Adorable!
- The Community Table
- Valleybrook Church
- Sound Beauty
Trunk-or-Treat at the Hive with Harry Potter Event
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10am-5pm • The Hive • 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, Chippewa Falls
A Harry Potter-themed Halloween event with special treats, themed menu, and more. Plenty of Halloween fun for both wizards and muggles alike.
- Chic Sweets sales 10am-5pm
- The Hive food/beverage/dining 9am-4pm
- Trunk-or-treating and activities 11am-2pm
Menomonie Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, Oct. 31, 1-4pm • Dunn County Energy Cooperative • N5725 600th St., Menomonie
Candy for the first 1,500 kids, age 10 and under. Traffic will be one-way on 600th Street with vehicles entering from County Road B at Lindstrom Equipment and exiting on to Highway 12/29