APPLETON, Wis. — Fall is here and the countdown to Halloween is on.

Festivities will likely look different, but preparations and guidelines are in place for trick or treating this year. 

Kayleigh Birney is the store manager at Spirit Halloween in Appleton. Each year the store sets up to provide anything and everything you may need for the Halloween holiday. 

“Business is the same as it’s always been, if not a little more up. People are excited to get out, they’re excited to get in here, they’re excited that halloween is still happening,” says Birney.

Customers come through the doors and are met with spooky masks and colorful costumes. Chris Winiecki, a father of two, made his way from Neenah on a lunch break to shop for costumes. His family dress up every year, and this year won't be any different. 

​“I think that the kids will still go trick or treating around the houses adjacent to us in the neighborhood and stay outside and stay away from others. Maybe [stay] in their circle that they’re typically around,” says Winiecki.

Cities like Appleton are already pushing out recommendations as families plan to celebrate.

 

“We’re trying to get ahead of the holiday with our recommendations on trick or treating and really just reminding people to maintain their social distance 6 feet apart, to trick or treat with their household members only, and continue to wear those face coverings either under or over their halloween costumes,” explains Sheng Riechers with the City of Appleton.     

If you plan to give out candy, consider laying it out on a table or setting out a bowl. It's recommended that even if your costume has a mask, a facial covering should also be worn.