BILLINGS — While Clark Avenue in Billings did receive it's fair share of trick-or- treaters on Halloween night Saturday, neighbors on the street said there weren't nearly as many trick-or-treaters or homes passing out candy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Every year it was a family thing, we would come down here and meet my mom at her house. This year is a lot different," said Misty Hutchinson, a Billings resident who was out trick-or-treating with her husband and kids.
The first eight blocks of Clark Avenue are usually a trick-or-treating hot spot in Billings. This year, many homeowners shut their doors and turned off the lights for trick-or-treaters to slow the spread of COVID-19. A handful of homeowners taped off their porches to dissuade people from ringing the bell.
Other homeowners posted signs near the door, asking people to come back next year. One homeowner said she usually prepares for 4,000 costumed kids by purchasing $500 worth of candy. This year, her doors were closed.
While the Clark Avenue was certainly more empty than any time in recent Halloween memory, some trick-or-treaters stopped by the few homes that were passing out candy. Out and about, one could kids dressed as superheros, princesses, ghosts, dinosaurs, knights, unicorns, demons and many more.
Trick-or-treaters were still able to fill their bags and buckets with sweets. Many homeowners left out bowls of candy, trusting kids would take just one piece. One homeowner installed a candy chute made from PVC pipe so they could still give out candy from the safety of their home.
"I think we're just all having fun and I think people are just making what they can of it. Hopefully things get better," Hutchinson said.
