HOULTON, Maine — The weather may not have been ideal, but that did not stop hundreds of little ghosts and goblins from getting into the Halloween spirit Thursday, Oct. 31, in Market Square.
A portion of downtown Houlton was closed off to traffic, to allow children and their parents to freely visit tables set up, some of which were elaborately decorated, for trick or treating.
“It’s a great idea for all the families to come down and get out of the car just once and walk around,” said Gayle Cyr, one of the volunteers who set up a table to pass out candy. “People were here even before the official start time.”
The idea for a downtown Halloween event started with Bastion’s Tavern owner Emily Harvey, who came up with the idea of a trick or treat activity in Market Square for any businesses or residents who perhaps do not get many children on their streets.
Several local businesses jumped on the project and lined downtown with tables and canopies to protect from the rainy conditions. More than 30 vendors signed up for the event, with other businesses along Main Street also setting up tables in front of their shops.
“This is awesome,” said parent Josephine Bahn of Ludlow. “I hope this is done every year. It’s safer and less of a hassle of parking and walking. Plus it brings the community together.”
“It’s a lot easier,” added parent Terryn Bishop of Littleton. “We don’t have to go out on the roads.”
“This is amazing,” said Chrissy Hiscoe of Houlton. “It’s nice to see everyone in one area and it’s a nice safe place. It’s a wonderful idea and the turnout is great.”
