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 