Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Virginia has made the decision to cancel this year’s Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn event in order to keep the community safe.

The event, which usually attracts hundreds of area families, is hosted by UVA and residents of the Lawn. As recently noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, door-to-door trick-or-treating is a high-risk activity during the pandemic. The CDC recommends lower-risk activities, such as decorating pumpkins, having a virtual Halloween costume contest and decorating your living space.

“Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Moriah Hendrick, the head resident of the Lawn. “For Lawn residents and all other UVA students, it represents a chance to welcome the larger Charlottesville community and celebrate the connections we share.

“While this cancellation is disappointing, we also recognize that the most important way to care for the community at this time is by ensuring that we can all stay as safe as possible.”

The Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn tradition dates back to the late 1980s and began as a small affair. Its popularity has steadily grown over the years as a safe and fun event that brings together the University and local community.