Despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, most local communities will continue with Halloween activities, with extra safety precautions encouraged.
__Sikeston__
Trick or treating will continue as planned in Sikeston but officials are encouraging parents and children to follow the best practices for social distancing, face coverings and sanitation.
Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to avoid houses with no exterior lights on, and to conclude trick-or-treating by 9 p.m.
A Trunk-or-Treat will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1801 Ables Road, in Sikeston. Candy and free hot dogs will be available and COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken.
A Trunk-or-Treat ministry event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Miner Baptist Church, 416 State Highway H. There will be candy, popcorn, hot dogs and other treats as well as a hayride for children around the church property. There will be signs on display with directions. The Trunk-or-Treat is open to the public. For more information, call the church office at 573-471-1331.
The First Baptist Church in Sikeston will hold a drive-thru Trunk-or-Treat from 4-5:30 p.m. in the church parking lot.
The Sikeston American Legion family trunk-or-treat will begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
Officials at the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores decided to cancel their Annual Community Safe Trick-or-Treat event due to COVID-19.
Grace Bible Fellowship will be handing out treat bags at Dancler Field in Sunset from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31.
A Trunk-or-Treat for families to come and let their kids get some candy in a safe manner will be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Sanctuary of SEMO, 338 Matthews Ave Sikeston.
__East Prairie__
Trick-or-treating in East Prairie will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday for those 12 and under. Those taking part are encouraged to do so in a safe manner keeping the coronavirus in mind.
__Charleston__
Charleston will allow trick-or-treating from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Residents are urged to be careful when handing out treats and social distancing is to be followed.
__Oran__
Oran City Council decided to allow trick-or-treating on Halloween. Those wishing not to participate are asked to keep their porch lights off.
__Portageville__
The First State Bank and Trust Co., will hold their annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest on Thursday in Portageville. The contest categories will be 0-4 years, 5-8 years, 9-10 years and a group division.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third in each category.
The parade route starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Portageville Community Center and proceeds down Main Street. The costume contest will be held afterwards in the FSBT parking lot.
Trick-or-treating in Portageville will be held on Halloween night from 5:30-8 p.m. for children 12 and under.
The Portageville Fire Department will be passing out candy bags from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday at 5 & MacArthur and 10 & MacArthur.
__New Madrid__
A Trunk-or-Treat will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the New Madrid County Courthouse parking lot.
Trick-or-treating on Halloween in New Madrid will be from dusk to 9 p.m. Those participating are encouraged to practice social distancing. Police officers will patrol neighborhoods with heavy traffic and will also be walking in some neighborhoods.