Halloween Spending Hits All-Time High, Participation Returns To Pre-Pandemic Levels

By: Follow South Jersey Staff

SOUTH JERSEY — Planning on celebrating Halloween big time this year? Well, join the club.

With a lull of Halloween activity in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s spookfest seems to be making a major comeback.

Current statistics says that around 70 percent of Americans plan to participate in Halloween celebrations. Also, U.S. consumers plan to spend record amount of money on Halloween this year with an overall total of about $10.6 billion. Most of the consumers’ money goes towards the purchase of costumes, decorations, and candy.

With all the little ghouls and goblins, heroes and villains, cartoons and creatures, trampling about the neighborhood in search of tricks and treats, the American Red Cross has offered some safety tips.

  • Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks which could make seeing difficult. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing. 
  • Use flame-resistant costumes. 
  • Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door. 
  • Be cautious around animals, especially dogs. 
  • Walk, don’t run. 
  • Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door and never go inside. 
  • Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. 
  • A grown-up should check all goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with. 

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:

  • Light the area well so young visitors can see.
  • Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over. 

It is also advised to keep an eye on the weather. This year the forecast in South Jersey calls for periods of rain so consider accessorizing the costumes with a good umbrella.

Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.

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