The Town of Chapel Hill said it will not be holding any large gathering through the end of the calendar year in an effort to protect public health, cancelling events such as Halloween on Franklin Street and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade.

In a release on Friday, the town said it wants community members to practice safety and does not plan to hold town-sponsored festivals and special events that could exceed gathering limitations through the end of 2020.

The closest event on the calendar, the typical Halloween gathering on Franklin Street, is included in the cancelled events. Despite not being town-sponsored event, Chapel Hill Police officers usually close off a stretch of the popular street to allow participants to walk around and admire each others costumes.

This year, however, with the risk of COVID-19 and its spread still looming large, town officials are saying such activities are not safe.

“We know Halloween on Franklin Street is a beloved annual gathering for so many in our community,” wrote Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue, “but crowds greater than 50 people go against the current public health guidance. As a Chapel Hill native, I, too, am disappointed that this annual tradition cannot happen. However, given the risks associated with such an event during the current pandemic, supporting a Halloween event in our downtown is not in the best interest of safety for our community.”

The Town of Chapel Hill said it will also not hold its annual Festifall Arts Festival, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade, Chapel Hillidays or the Santa Rooftop Rescue as a precaution amid the pandemic.

“In the best interests of public health and safety we have decided to not offer the festivals and events that have become synonymous with Chapel Hill,” said Town Manager Maurice Jones. “We all look forward to the day when we can celebrate together again in large groups and enjoy all that our community has to offer.”

The announcement came just before North Carolina moved into Phase 3 of reopening, as well as the Orange County stay at home order. But both state and county health officials have urged residents to remain cautious about public health, promoting the use of cloth face coverings and staying at least six feet apart to prevent any new spread of COVID-19.

Orange County health officials released their recommendations for the Halloween holiday on Thursday, encouraging people to try alternative activities this fall instead of traditions that are at high risk of coronavirus exposure.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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