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All things Halloween 2020: Arkansas events, holiday headlines, weather, COVID-19 guidance and more

True to form, 2020 brings us an unusual Halloween, complete with a full moon, pandemic precautions, drive-thru trick-or-treats and more.
Credit: MGN

ARKANSAS, USA — The week of Halloween has finally arrived, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has still not left. Even amid a pandemic, people of all ages are excited to 'cele-boo-rate' this 'spooktacular' holiday, and there is no shortage of fun to be had on Halloween 2020.

If someone had written a novel describing the events of 2020 prior to its beginning, it would have been considered an absurd fictional story belonging to the genre of 'horror,' making it the perfect fit for a holiday like Halloween.

So, it comes as no surprise to learn the beloved Peanuts holiday special, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” will not air on TV for the first time in decades, and there will be no Halloween PEEPS due to coronavirus, of course.

2020 isn’t all bad though. A full moon landing on Halloween for the first time in nearly 20 years fits the script and makes this the perfect year for dressing up as a werewolf and howling at the moon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines, suggesting that people avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating for Halloween this year, but in late September, Governor Hutchinson made it clear he would not cancel Halloween and stressed that if guidelines are followed, "it'll be a safe Halloween." 

Watch: Local Halloween Festivities Still Happening Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Gov. Hutchinson outlined some guidelines for children and parents who want to trick-or-treat during Halloween while we're still in a pandemic, and there are also many events planned in the area offering socially-distanced festivities.

Read: Arkansas releases guidelines for Halloween during COVID-19 

Read: Halloween candy safety during COVID-19 pandemic

To plan a 'boo-tiful' Halloween, check out these activities and events happening locally this week. From trunk-or-treats and hayrides to carnivals and haunted houses, there is something for everyone.

Read: Halloween-themed events happening this week in NWA and River Valley

Watch: Best Halloween Houses for a Drive-By Tour

Halloween Weather Preview

Read: Will you need an umbrella or winter jacket on Halloween? The forecast for Oct. 31

NWA and River Valley Halloween Clips

Springdale man goes all out for Halloween

Fayetteville residents come up with creative ways to celebrate Halloween while social distancing

Vote: 5NEWS morning team pumpkin decorating contest

Watch: Ruben Diaz 5NEWS live - Another look at this year's pumpkin decorating entries and one last pitch for votes

Adventure Arkansas: Carving Pumpkins

Suggested Local Halloween Stories

Watch:

Halloween tradition continues in Fort Smith

Local Halloween Festivities Still Happening Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

City of Fayetteville Discusses Halloween Safety Plan

Halloween Decoration Causes Controversy in Hackett

Local Couple Celebrates Baby Shower at Haunted House

Read:

Oscar Meyer Wienermobile rolls into Natural State for Halloween weekend

National 'Halloween 2020' Headlines

The most-searched Halloween costumes of 2020 

'It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' streaming free on Apple TV+ for 2 days

Halloween goes on at the White House with a few twists

Trick or Treat yourself: New study shows 79% of parents "steal" candy from their child's Halloween stash

Bette Midler says original 'Hocus Pocus' cast wants to reunite for sequel

Beverly Hills bans trick-or-treating to slow coronavirus spread

12-foot-tall skeleton: This must-have Halloween decoration is sold out nationwide

Dunkin' unveils new Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut for the Halloween season

Fewer Americans celebrating Halloween, but candy sales on the rise

Lowe's to host curbside trick-or-treat

Fall in NWA and the River Valley

Read: List of family-friendly activities to enjoy in NWA and River Valley this fall

Credit: MGN

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