Orono Parks and Recreation to deliver Halloween ‘Boo Boxes’ to families

ORONO, Maine — The town of Orono has come up with new ways to celebrate Halloween this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues. 

Despite Gov. Janet Mills’ announcement that loosened restrictions on indoor gatherings, some traditional Halloween festivities with high risks of spreading the virus won’t happen as usual this year — trick-or-treating included. 

In place of the annual Trunk or Treat — which the state categorizes as a higher-risk activity for spreading COVID-19 — the town of Orono will deliver “Boo Boxes” full of assorted candies to local families on Halloween.

The candy delivery is just one aspect of a three-part plan to make this year’s pandemic Halloween fun for everyone, Orono Parks and Recreation Coordinator Meghan Mazzella said. 

Mazzella — who started with the department in June but originally comes from the Salem, Massachusetts, area — said that the “Boo Box” idea grew from her own experiences of receiving “boo bags” while trick-or-treating. Mazzella added it was “pretty cool” to bring that idea to Orono.

The “boo boxes” will be smaller than the size of a McDonald’s Happy Meal and contain an assortment of candy. The department will also have Teal Pumpkin boxes full of small toys available for kids who can’t have candy. 

Families can sign up to get a “Boo Box” via the parks and recreation department’s website. 

Sign-ups are open only to Orono residents, as town employees will be delivering the boxes themselves. 

So far, 70 people have requested a “Boo Box” since the department first opened sign-ups at the beginning of the month, Mazzella said. 

“I think people are pretty happy that we are doing something, and we are able to provide that candy element, she said. “I think this is a great solution to that hole that we were going to be missing.”

In addition to the “boo boxes” the public library will be giving out Halloween-themed crafts next week that families can do together at home. 

The town also plans to create a “Halloween Alley” between the fire department and town office where people can show up in their costumes and take photos to share on social media. 

The “Halloween Alley” will be set up Oct. 16 and remain through Halloween day, Mazzella said.