BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

POTSDAM -- There won't be any restrictions on trick or treating for youngsters this year for those that want to participate. But the village is encouraging COVID-19 safety protocols from the Centers for Disease Control are followed.

However, Village Mayor Ron Tischler said at the village board meeting Oct. 5 that the village board feels it should be up to individual home owners if they want to participate by putting candy out for children this year.

"They can put something out on their porch or the sidewalk or whatever. Or they can keep their lights out or put a sign up that says "Not allowing trick or treaters,' Tischler said. "It's something we really can't mandate as a village to say 'Can't do it.' That's not fair to the kids. If the adults go with the young kids and are responsible for them. The biggest issue is safety."

The mayor stressed that if trick or treaters are wearing Halloween masks that they also wear a regular mask underneath it. "Just for safety's sake," Tischler said.

The CDC guidelines are posted on the village's Facebook page.

The mayor said the annual Ragamuffin parade won't be able to be held this year due to COVID precautions, but suggested the village look into partnering with some community groups to do something different this year.