Fresno residents see small Halloween turnout at homes amid pandemic

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Traditions had to be modified with safety in mind this Halloween.

Because of the pandemic, not much door-knocking was done. Instead, many homeowners followed the CDC's guidelines.

They set candy out on a table and waited for trick-or-treaters to stop by.

Some even packaged candy in plastic bags.

"Sit back here at a distance and let them take candy," says Brent Ivy.

This year's must-have goody wasn't anything sweet, but something much more valuable in 2020.

"We did have hand sanitizer out," says Tiffany Vansickle.

One of the biggest differences was the number of people going door-to-door. Many saw significantly smaller crowds.

"This year is a little bit less, we usually have carloads of people," Vansickle said.

Vansickle's home usually draws people from all over Fresno.

Her house is decked out with killer clowns, ghouls and other classic Halloween characters.

This year, she mostly saw people from her neighborhood. Those who did come through did so responsibly.

"We had a lot of kids wearing masks and parents, so that was good," she said.

This year may have looked a lot different, but homeowners say the holiday was a well-needed break from reality.

"To be able to have one normal thing that I feel can do wonders for kids," Vansickle said.

"Whether it is here or at a trunk or treat, it is kind of a safe, familiar memory," Christy Moran said.