People across Triangle find ways to enjoy Halloween, stay safe, during pandemic

In Chapel Hill, the annual gathering of thousands on Franklin Street did not happen, though that didn't stop some from finding other ways to party. There was trick-or-treating for the children but many wore face masks instead of the traditional Halloween masks.

Overall, the pandemic didn't keep everyone from enjoying the holiday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did discourage bar crawls and trick-or-treating due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, WRAL News saw long lines of people in costume at establishments in Raleigh and other locations in the Triangle.

Elsewhere, neighborhoods had families enjoying trick-or-treating with safety protocols in place.

Costumed crowds of adults made their way to Glenwood South. Coronavirus concerns did not keep people from celebrating festivities this year. Numerous people who appeared to be without masks were waiting in long lines at bars, where social distancing seemed difficult.

Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood neighborhood was another popular area to celebrate Halloween for trick-or-treating children. Amanda Morgan said Halloween this year is much different from other years.

"It's a big deal. People start super early," Morgan said. "Normally, everything's on our porch behind us, so we have friends over."

This year forced Morgan to get creative. She put up a net to encourage people to keep their distance and used a tube to safely hand out treats.

Salanna Holmes and her girls wanted a way to take part in Halloween without going door-to-door.

"I see a lot of people with tables outside their house so people can just pick up," Holmes said. "We see people had bags already made, so you can just grab a bag."

Neighbors said the pandemic Halloween crowds are smaller but still busy.

"I hope everyone is having fun and being safe," Morgan said.