Town of Batesburg-Leesville cancels popular Halloween on Main due to COVID-19 concerns

Batesburg- Leesville, SC (Paul Kirby) - The town of Batesburg-Leesville announced recently that they are canceling their popular Halloween on Main event this year. They did so out of what they refer to as, “an abundance of caution.”

Each year, this popular event got larger and larger. The entirety of Main Street would close to vehicle traffic while families of all sizes with children in tow could walk from business to business and home to home trick or treating in a super safe environment. It had become a must attend for people in that area and from across many parts of Lexington County. Families from nearby Saluda County and Aiken counties also often attended. 

In a letter announcing the cancellation from town manager Ted Luckadoo he said, “There is no doubt that 2020 has been a difficult year. We have seen numerous family style events cancelled due to COVID-19 and it is unfortunate this has occurred, but the safety and health of our citizens and those who visit is first priority. With cases still occurring, we simply cannot place people in a position which increases their possible exposure to the virus.”

Luckadoo went on to say that the decision to cancel this event does not cancel Halloween trick or treating, which is not an official town event or in any way regulated by the town. He said that some have expressed interest in hosting drive thru Trunk or Treats. He also said that the town encourages people to look for safe options that may be available to maximize fun for their children. The town is encouraging residents to consider utilizing grab bags for trick or treaters instead of the more traditional face to face contact as a way of minimizing the chance of exposure to the virus as well as seasonal colds and the flu. Luckadoo said that the towns leaders encourage citizens to adhere to the established guidelines for social distancing and sanitation. 

Batesburg-Leesville’s Popular Poultry Festival and parade was one of the first community events cancelled after the pandemic befell the country. It is held in the spring of the year and kicks off a long run of festivals that are held each year in Lexington County. So far, all of those have been cancelled. Batesburg-Leesville also has one of the more popular Christmas parades annually which is held at night. There is no word on whether that will be held this year or not.