Halloween spirits on Lipscomb’s campus have not gone unaffected by the COVID pandemic.
Some of the events that have traditionally been held are Haunted Highrise, Dodgeball, Scare in the Square and Dia de los Muertos among others. However, due to COVID-19, there will be some changes, including the cancellation of Haunted Highrise.
“The reality of COVID-19 and the safety of our students has been the primary factor in most all of our decisions this year,” said Lipscomb’s Director of Residence Life Jonathan Williams.
“The fact that we are located in Nashville and Davidson County further complicates any plans we might have for hosting a larger event,” he said.
“At this time, Davidson County is still in phase 3 of reopening which limits gatherings to 25 people or less so an indoor event such as Haunted High Rise, that would normally draw 400-plus students and guests, simply wasn’t going to work this year.”
Haunted Highrise, an annual event since 2011, will return — if possible — from this year’s cancellation, according to Williams.
Williams said, “We are crossing our fingers and hoping for the best as we look forward to the future and fall 2021.”
On the other hand, another prominent event of Hallo-week, Scare in the Square will still go on, but the atmosphere has been changed. Under normal circumstances, Scare in the Square is like a trunk or treat event where different clubs and societies of Lipscomb set up various stations and give out candy to those from throughout the community who come in costume.
This is an event that all of Lipscomb is invited to partake in, but this year it will be available to students only.
“This year, due to COVID, it’s taking on more of a fall festival-type atmosphere,” said Williams. “There will be live music, bonfires, a hayride around campus, 9 square and more. Our goal is to create a fun and safe environment so we’ll be spread out from the front porch of Johnson Hall to the amphitheater, in the Square and over to Elam Hall.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”