As local cases of COVID-19 climb, downtown business leaders decided to cancel the annual Powelloween, which was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Park County Health Officer Dr. Aaron Billin and Nurse Manager Bill Crampton recommended businesses pull the plug on the traditional trick-or-treating from store to store, said Toby Bonner, general manager of the Powell Tribune, which helps organize the Halloween event. Bonner noted that hospitalizations have been rising and said a number of businesses had asked not to be included in Powelloween this year, as they didn’t want to put their employees at risk.

The downtown event typically draws large crowds, with children and parents gathering in businesses as employees hand out candy.

The Wyoming Department of Health has encouraged physical distancing and the use of face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and those recommendations apply to Halloween celebrations.

The department has advised against crowded indoor gatherings, events or costume parties.

“Trunk-or-treat events where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots can also be lower risk if everyone remains outdoors, avoids gathering in large groups and moves through quickly,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer, in a news release earlier this month.