PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's long-beloved Halloween parade is canceled for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19 but trick-or-treat is a go.

Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Becky Manship told the Parks Commission on Tuesday that unfortunately there will be no parade due to a rise in COVID-19 cases but local children will be able to go door to door for candy on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Those who are interested in handing out candy are to leave their outside lights on during this time.

Manship said this is the planned date, but the virus could warrant a change of plans as with all events.

"It's too early to really tell what the numbers will be at that point so stay tuned on messaging down the road," she said.

Park and Open Space Program Manager James McGrath said it is really up to parents' discretion if they want their families to participate in trick-or-treat or not.

"It never has been mandatory to participate in trick-or-treating," he said. "We just want to make certain that the tradition can continue but parents can make good decisions and keep their children safe in their neighborhood."

To accommodate people who are wary about participating in trick-or-treating in person, Manship is planning to do a virtual citywide costume and house decorating contest again this year.

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