The picture in Tuesday’s Eagle of children taking part in the drive-thru trick-or-treat at Mars Area High School is sure to put a smile on one’s face.

Observing youths taking part in this time-honored ritual is always fun, but especially so after more than a year and a half of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, the high school, Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Primary Center hosted the event, which was led by the high school’s student council. This is the second year that a Halloween-themed drive-thru was held at the school.

Danielle Bednar, a senior and student council member at the high school, made a good point when she told the Eagle that the event was not only great in restoring a sense of some normalcy for children in the area, but it also provided an opportunity for students across multiple grade levels to connect.

While it’s unfortunate that trick-or-treating was still not in its typical format — going through a drive-thru, rather than visiting the decorated classrooms at the high school as had been done in years past — it’s a step in the direction of getting back to normal and, most importantly, the wise and safe thing to do.

Vaccination for younger children against COVID-19 has not yet started and, therefore, younger children are likely at higher risk of getting the virus and passing it along to others. Until shots are approved for youngsters, it’s a good idea to approach events like this one with an abundance of caution.

“This year and last year, we did the drive-thru format to be extra cautious and be sure that everyone was safe,” student council adviser and teacher Megan Boland said.

And for that, the various groups involved should be applauded. It’s great to see an event like this one that provides fun activities for youths in a safe manner.

We hope that next year will be back to normal, and trick-or-treaters will once again be able to roam the high school’s halls and check out the decorations as they pick up treats.

— NCD