Giant spiders, witches and even the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man have all invaded Washington Avenue in Haddonfield, N.J.
It’s a tradition for this street every October.
“As you can see, everybody decorates their houses. And it’s like the big celebration of the year on this street,” said Charlie Barone, standing in front of his spider-covered house.
Neighbors give out thousands of pieces of candy on Halloween.
Officials estimate 5,000 people came to Washington Avenue last year. In fact, several years ago, police started shutting the street down for about eight blocks for a block party atmosphere.
“Some residents had asked for it,” said Chief Jason Cutler. “So we looked at it, we said, ‘Sure we’ll do it.’ Police actually came out. We set up a tent.”
But the police chief says the popular event made the rounds on social media, and after dark things got unruly.
“People were trespassing, urinating because there’s no porta-potties out here,” said Cutler.
So this year, the decision was made not to shut down the street on Halloween in hopes that people will spread out and trick or treat in other areas, too.
Some neighbors on Washington say it was time to do something.
“We love it. The kids love it. But it’s gotten a little out of hand,” said Debbie Robins.
Others like Barone think it’ll just make things more dangerous with a similar sized crowd.
“I don’t think that’s going to work. I don’t think they can wish it away that people are going to come here. So I think we are going to have the same number of people, if not more,” said Barone.
The mayor says keeping the street open will be safer.
“If we do have any trouble, we can actually get emergency services here. Which would’ve been impossible the last two years,” said Mayor Dave Siedell.
So, bottom line: you can still trick or treat on Washington Ave, but traffic will be moving through.
Police will have a presence here they but also plan to patrol throughout the town, Chief Cutler says, in an effort to keep all the trick or treaters in all the neighborhoods safe.
