With the pandemic dragging on, many townships have to make the tough decision of whether to allow the beloved Halloween tradition of trick or treat. At the Sept. 22 meeting, Allen Township Board of Supervisors met to discuss exactly that.

Township Manager Ilene Eckhart pointed out that while some communities have canceled, the borough of Northampton has scheduled its trick-or-treat night for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, with no backup date in case of rain.

Vice Chairman Gary Behler said, from a health standard, it’s probably a bad idea; however, families and homeowners alike can make the decision for themselves of whether or not to participate. It’s up to the parents’ discretion of whether to allow their kids to participate or not, the board stressed.

Chairman Dale Hassler agreed, suggesting homeowners who don’t want to participate can keep their porch lights off to dissuade children from knocking on their doors. He also suggested going through with it to keep Northampton Borough from getting a large influx of children from Allen Township to their community.

“I think that would be good,” Hassler said. “The kids need something at this point.”

With that, the board approved trick-or-treat night for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

It was stressed that anyone participating should wear masks and practice social distancing whenever possible.