Arlington Public Library hosting drive-through Halloween parade

The Arlington Public Library is offering a way for local families to celebrate Halloween at a safe distance this year, with their first ever Halloween drive-through parade.

Festivities will take place on Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the library’s southwest branch, 3311 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. The library is encouraging event goers to dress in their favorite costumes and participate in the many activities planned.

The announcement comes as people and communities have been discussing how safe it is to go trick or treating during the coronvirus pandemic and exploring alternative ways to celebrate Halloween. The conversation has spurred many communities to come up with options that involve social distancing, such as a drive-through haunted house in Irving.

Even the residents of Waggoner Drive in central Arlington, who usually close their street so trick-or-treaters can safely move through the neighborhood, were split on how to approach the holiday and ultimately decided to go with decorations only.

At the library’s Halloween event, visitors will be treated to songs, puppet conversations, bubble magic and more from various stations, according to the library. The free program is geared towards children up to the age of five, and every child that attends the event will leave with a “spook-takular” craft to do at home.

All of the event’s festivities will be accessible from vehicles, including the library’s curbside services where patrons can check-out books, DVD’s and more.