Halloween traditions are seen throughout as many people pick out a costume, go trick-or-treating, decorate their home or pass out candy to kids who come to their door. The University of Idaho men’s basketball team participates in these traditions as well.
Vandal teams in the past participated in passing out candy to the community. They haven’t dressed up in costumes or participated in costume contests as a team since the coaches leave leave this decision up to the players.
“In terms of the team, no we haven’t done much with costumes but in years past, we have worked with our department in passing out candy to the kids in the (Kibbie Dome),” Zac Claus, head coach of UI men’s basketball, said. “With everything that’s going on, I don’t anticipate that at all. It’s always been a fun holiday for us.”
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditions like these will be hard to maintain because of the increasing danger that it would pose to the community and the fear of the virus spreading. Passing out candy and going trick-or-treating will be difficult this year but not impossible as the Center for Disease Control offered a way to do this safely during this time of uncertainty.
According to the CDC, the best way to make trick-or-treating safe this year is to avoid direct contact with trick or treaters, give out treats outdoors if possible, setting up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take, washing hands before handing out treats and wearing a mask. Wearing a mask can make it hard to fit your costume idea, but the CDC recommends making it a part of your costume.
The CDC also recommends constant hand washing, using hand sanitizer if individuals are unable to wash their hands and to maintain a social distance in order to prevent community spread of COVID-19.
Even though the UI athletic department is unlikely to pass out candy to kids in the Kibbie Dome this year, there are still ways to be able to celebrate Halloween safely and the athletic department hopes to have the chance to pass out candy next year.
Armin Mesinovic can be reached [email protected] on Twitter@arminmesinovic.