By Camryn Sanchez and Dan Murphy
In order to provide for a safe and enjoyable holiday, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced that the Yonkers Police Department will issue a citywide curfew for children 16 years of age and younger on Halloween night – Saturday, October 31. In addition, Mayor Spano urges Yonkers residents to follow New York State’s guidance for Halloween this year, avoiding traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and adopting COVID-19 safe practices starting with social distancing and wearing a face covering.
“Halloween is a spooky holiday meant to be enjoyed by all, which is why we are taking a proactive approach in providing a safe fun-filled night for our communities,” said Mayor Spano. “While COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the region, we can still make Halloween a fun event, but we need to be smart about it. The City will impose its traditional late-night curfew on young people, but will not impose any other mandatory measures other than to urge adherence to the State’s guidelines.”
“I am wishing everyone a very happy, fun, and healthy Halloween,” said John Mueller, Yonkers Police Commissioner. “Kindly review the safety/curfew guidelines. Your Yonkers Police Department will do all that it can to ensure that everyone has a very safe holiday but in order to do that, we need our communities cooperation. Let’s all do our part to follow the guidelines so that we can all have an enjoyable holiday.”
As part of the curfew, the Yonkers Police Department advises: Children ages 11 and younger must be home by 10PM–·Children ages 12 to 13 must be home by 10:30PM–Children ages 14 to 16 must be home by 11PM
Exceptions include if the young person is accompanied by parent or guardian, on an errand with parental permission, with prior notice to YPD Community Affairs Division – 914-377-737, or
Employment and other exeptions include – ½ hour after end of school, religious and volunteer public entertainment — no later than 12:30AM unless police are notified by host organization 24 hours in advance- ½ hour after work — with proof from Employer
All youngsters 16 and under not subject to curfew if on or immediately next to their home (and if neighbor does not object)
Violators of the curfew will be taken to the nearest Yonkers Police Precinct, and parent/guardian will be notified. For more information about the Halloween curfew, contact the Yonkers Police Department at 914-377-7375.
Despite the curfew, and COVID, there are a number of safe ways to have fun this Halloween. Please remember to respect social-distancing and mask wearing guidelines, and check your town’s curfew rules this Halloweekend! Note that some events require reservations and/or have limited available spots.
City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Isaac is hosting a Mobile Halloween Candy Giveaway on the big day Oct. 31. Look out for the decorated candy mobile in the 2nd District.
The Yonkers South Broadway BID will host a Halloween Day of the Dead Virtual Costume Contest Visit southbroadwaybid.org for more information.
Westchester County legislators David Tubiolo. Ruth Walter, Jose Alvarado and Christopher Johnson are joining with County Executive George Latimer and Assemblyman Nader Saygeh to host an All Hallows Eve Fright Fest at Tibbets Brook Park on October 30-3pm-530 pm. Go to Eventbrite to reserve a spot.
The Cross County Center will host a Halloween Drive in Movie on October 31, but you must register first. Visit crosscountycenter.com
The Westchester School, located on 45 Park Ave. will hold a Trick or Treat Safe Zone on October 31 from 1-3pm. Wear a costume and wear a COVID mask.
At the Hudson River Museum, start off your Halloween weekend with some storytelling and skytalk and a glass of cider on Friday night, then bring the kids for pumpkin decorating and a Costume Parad
