We have strong evidence that the Town of Woodstock is recovering well from its Critical Incident Flood Response as the flood response discussion disintegrated this week to the perennial devilishly-thorny question of Halloween candy on High and Maple Streets.
We hear the flood response meeting took a big turn to the long-simmering question of how long the residents of High, Golf and Maple Streets will be asked by the town to “host” its annual evening Halloween activities. It’s a tradition that those streets are closed off by the Town as a safe and welcoming location for kids to “trick-or-treat”.
However, the High Street area has turned into a magnet for kids and parents from many surrounding towns who flock to Woodstock for dress-up and candy fun. Residents have, de facto, been asked (not consulted) to open their doors and provide the goodies, even as the residential child population has dropped in the small neighborhood. While it’s always a festive and fun occasion, it is not without some grumbling about just who is footing the bill.
In recent years, the Town of Woodstock has asked for candy donations to be dropped off with Woodstock Police for distribution to homes in the area. However, it is rarely enough candy for the hundreds who show up.
Discussions are ongoing but it appears some are suggesting it might be time to end the Halloween on High Street, Golf Avenue, Maple Street close-off. That would ultimately be a decision for the Village Trustees. We are sure Trustees appreciate input on this very important topic.
Have a few candy corn as you ruminate….
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Lisa Lawlor on September 27, 2011 at 12:44
As a resident of Maple Street, I would suggest that either the village be opened up or other streets be closed off and Halloween is rotated throughout the community.
Each year on my street, less people are handing out candy. this does tell everyone it is time for a change.
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Posted by Karla on September 27, 2011 at 14:58
I think “Trick or treating” on these Irene-impacted streets is asking too much of the residents who are still trying to clean up their basements and yards, and pay for new heating systems and appliances that were destroyed in the floods. That said, I also believe there should be an age limit set for trick or treating overall. Certainly anyone older than 6th grade doesn’t need to go door to door, and they often push through the younger kids who are still very caught up in the experience. I think 10 or 11 years old is “old enough ” to stop. We used to have a great Halloween party at the Little Theater for everyone. Maybe something like this could be revived at the Arena, Masonic Temple, or another local spot, and hand-out-candy donations could be used there instead. It’s safer, and it used to be a lot of fun. Prizes for age categories, games, contests…and weather won’t matter!
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Posted by Tracey Dugdale on September 28, 2011 at 11:10
Yes, I think it is time for this to happen. Perhaps there could be a town wide party – something similar to Taste of Woodstock. Close off the street and set up different games, food areas and music. I think everyone, including teens and adults could have a lot of fun. It is time to stop funneling everyone to High St., Golf and Maple.
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