Inclement weather on Halloween is causing many towns and cities to postpone celebrations to protect trick-or-treaters.
According to Wallingford’s Police Department and the mayor, the decision to close down North Main Street is a safety measure ahead of the possibility of high winds and heavy rain.
In a statement, Wallingford’s Police Department said “In light of impending inclement weather during the evening of October 31, 2019 and out of the interest of public safety, this year’s Halloween festivities on North Main Street will be postponed until Saturday, November 2, 2019.
For the past three years, North Main Street’s festivities and decorations have become bigger and better each year.
The influx of visitors and trick-or-treaters have led to the decision to block off North Main, and North Streets at the North End of Dutton Park.
Homeowners like Vince Proto believe it’s the right decision for everyone.
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“With the anticipated inclement weather including strong winds and a little bit of rain, we decided it would probably be best to hold off on closing the entire street. “The last thing we want to happen is a family member or child to get hurt from a fallen branch or slip on wet pavement.”
NBC Connecticut spoke with a few other homeowners who didn’t mind if trick-or-treaters show up on Halloween or Saturday.
Wallingford’s Mayor William Dickinson said the goal is to not cancel Halloween but to simply hold off on shutting down a block that could potentially be dangerous due to inclement weather.
“Our intent is to not cancel Halloween or spoil someone’s fun,” Dickinson said. “Instead, we wanted to protect our residents from the risk of getting hurt.”
Wallingford’s Police Department also issued a statement:
“We ask that all of those planning on visiting the area near Dutton Park specifically for the Halloween festivities put on by the residents do so on Saturday November 2, 2019. On that date, North Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between North Street and the end of North Main at the North end of Dutton Park.”
The neighborhood has become a major attraction for local trick-or-treaters from surrounding areas and across the town of Wallingford.
Homeowners estimated that at least 1,000 parents and children show up to get a glimpse of the decorations and stuff their buckets and bags with candy.
The road’s closure will occur from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
