COVID-19 has stopped a lot of events in 2020, but trick-or-treat night in Jim Thorpe Borough won’t be one of them.

Mayor Michael Sofranko announced that the annual event would take place on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. throughout the borough.

Normally, trick-or-treat is scheduled for at least an hour later in the evening. With daylight saving time not ending until Nov. 1, Sofranko said he is hopeful more people will have a chance to be involved.

“It will be getting dark, so it’ll still have that feel to it, but it will also be hopefully a little warmer,” he said. “I’m hoping that gives in particular our elderly community a greater chance to participate.”

Things will be a little different given this is a pandemic year. Sofranko is asking residents to keep the treat distribution outdoors and set up tables if possible so social distancing can be maintained.

“It really just comes down to common sense,” Sofranko said. “Be smart about it and everyone can have a great time. If you want to participate that’s great and if you don’t want to, you don’t have to.”

Trick-or-treat plans are still being finalized in other area communities.

Weatherly last month discussed a plan to hold a “drive- thru Halloween night” in the Eurana Park parking lot. Door-to-door trick-or-treating in Weatherly will be discouraged. Bowmanstown also outlined plans for a trunk-or-treat event.

In prior years, Jim Thorpe has scheduled its trick-or-treat night on the same night as surrounding municipalities to try to limit town-hopping. This, year, Sofranko said, staying local is more important than ever.

“We’re really asking kids to stay in their own town year,” he said. “We want this to be for Jim Thorpe Borough residents. There is no need to be running all over to different towns.”