While the thought of socialising after months of lockdown is enough to scare anyone, Halloween is almost upon us.
Plenty of Penrith residents will be taking the chance to celebrate the spooky season on Sunday, October 31 in a COVID-safe manner.
While some parents have decided to let their little monsters dress up and eat treats at home, Glenmore Park mother Alycia Brandt has gone all out with decorating her house on Devaney Avenue for her three kids.
“We have always celebrated Halloween even before having kids and it is something they have grown up with so COVID has changed our approach but not our spirit,” Ms Brandt said.
“Our display gets bigger every year and this year we have a walk through which will allow everyone to take selfies and grab a treat along the way.”
Local Trick or Treat pages on Facebook are encouraging people to post their address if they are taking part, so that other residents don’t have unwanted ghosts knocking on their doors.
Sandra Kittlety from Penrith admitted that COVID had changed the way their family would be participating in Halloween, but that it wouldn’t stop the fun.
“We have put out a few decorations and the kids have made up a treats board to put out front so we don’t need to make contact with trick-or-treaters,” Ms Kittlety said.
“We normally have fun dressing up and greeting everyone but this year it’s about minimum contact and plenty of hand sanitiser.”
If sweets aren’t your thing, then the Sydney Rocks group is hosting a free Halloween themed rock hunt from 1pm to 2pm on Sunday at Werrington Lake for children and the young at heart to dress up and take part in.
Paint and Sip Studio Penrith is also holding family friendly themed painting sessions from $50 on October 29 and 31.
After a tough time due to the pandemic, South Penrith mother Jerri Gauci said everyone should just enjoy some fang-tastic fun.
“My kids love to get dressed up. This will be their third year where I paint their faces and we will go trick or treating together,” Ms Gauci said.
“It’s great to see kids and families out and about again so I hope the community comes together to decorate and enjoy Halloween.”
Emily Feszczuk
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.