It goes without saying—the way we enjoy autumn events may be different this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However, this does not mean that communities cannot get creative with how they celebrate, even if it means enjoying distanced or virtual events. Here are a few ideas for keeping the community spirit high and the tricks away this fall.
Virtual and Socially Distanced Autumn Festivities
- Create a list of apple and pumpkin picking sites for yourself and your fellow neighbors to enjoy.
- Plan a virtual pie crust decoration competition within your co-op, condominium, or homeowner’s association.
- Participate in our recipe swap! All residents can submit their fall favorites or make one of the recipes listed.
- Share your favorite Long Island or New York City spot for apple cider, pies, and donuts.
- Run a can drive (with board approval) and provide it to a family (maybe a neighbor that you know is struggling) or a charity in need.
- Organize a virtual pumpkin carving contest.
- Take a road trip to the North Fork and/or go apple and pumpkin picking upstate.
- Host a socially distanced leaf spotting walk in a local park or within the community.
Halloween and Coronavirus: Tips for Staying Festive This Year
- Host a virtual costume party and/or contest.
- Organize a (interiors only) Halloween decoration contest within your co-op, condo, or HOA.
- Instead of Trick-Or-Treating: create a candy swap: Have a few neighbors chip in on bags of candy and create goody bags for all of the kids in the neighborhood. With board approval, set up a sign-up sheet for all families to participate. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly before handling candy.
- Have a family movie night with Halloween and fall classics.
- Create a scary book club for the month of October, or share a weekly ghost story. If your community association has a newsletter, submit these to your property manager.
- Invite your neighbors to a virtual murder mystery party.
Coronavirus Health and Safety Reminders
- Do not forget to wear your face mask in public.
- Take your temperature regularly, especially if you are out and about.
- Social distance at local fall gatherings and festivities.
- If you are not feeling well, stay home, and if you suspect that you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested and notify management if you have the coronavirus (we do not share your identity with neighbors).
- Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer if needed.
- Follow local and state guidelines and monitor New York state’s case rate.
Get Your Home Ready for Fall and Winter
Fall To-Do List for Homeowners
Winter To-Do List for Homeowners
