For anyone wanting to learn more and/or contribute to the Post-Irene Halloween in Woodstock discussion, the Village Trustees will take up the matter at their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening at 7pm at the Town Hall.
No firm decisions have been made, but as a result of a quite productive informal meeting about Halloween in the traditionally barricaded High Street, Golf Avenue and Maple Street neighborhood some modifications are likely to be made.
A bit of background, the barricading of that neighborhood originally was a decision made about “public safety” for kids trick-or-treating. However, the neighborhood has grown as a location for Halloween trick-or-treating for more than just Woodstock. Many surrounding communities enjoy the fun in the neighborhood driving in from isolated more rural areas to take part. It has often overwhelmed the capabilities of good-serving citizens to provide treats for one and all. Town estimates are some 800 to 1000 kids and parents come through the neighborhood every October 31st.
One new plan developed from last Sunday’s meeting is to collect candy donations for the neighborhood at three different locations: The Town Hall, The Emergency Services Building and possibly a local food store. Generally, the consensus was to continue the closed-off area and just do better at providing candy for the neighborhood.
Woodstock officials also want to make clear that not matter what is determined about the barricaded street neighborhoods, the entire Village IS open for trick-or-treating. We know so many other people beyond Maple, High and Golf will have their jack-o-lanterns out and their treats ready as they “ooooh” and “ahhhhh” at the goulish costumed sight of our local kids dressed up and having some fun.
Auntie “Early Bird” does have some concerns about the effects of sugar consumption on highly-energized kids but has been known herself to partake of a Butterfinger or two…or perhaps, a Snickers…yes, and that Smarties pack looks quite delicious…maybe a Tootsie Pop or two…and who doesn’t love SweetTarts??? I ask you?
For the low-down and to give your opinion about Halloween please join us all at the Village Trustees meeting this coming Tuesday.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Bob Pear on October 5, 2011 at 19:51
One correction- 800 to 1000 kids plus parents. Last year we had 1000 pieces of candy on hand and our lights were out at 8 PM. What I am hearing is most of my neighbors want to continue the “tradition”, but we need help supplying the candy, so please help. It would be great to continue to provide a safe Halloween for our kids from all communities. And come to the meeting!
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Posted by Cindy Towne on October 5, 2011 at 22:18
Any candy that is collected needs to be delivered to the homes at least days before Halloween. Delivering the afternoon of Halloween is way to late. The residents have already bought candy by then not knowing whether they will receive any donated candy.
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Posted by ann on October 6, 2011 at 19:17
Thank you Cindy. Currently there is a bin in the Police Station, Town Hall, and possibly at Macs Market. They are big and red and you just can’t miss them. Donations are appreciated, especially this year. We are going to gather all donations 10/23 and distribute to residents participating in Halloween!
Ann From Maple Street!
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Posted by Molly McDermott on October 8, 2011 at 11:54
Ah, Miss Julia….I do love the Snickers and esp. those Smarties, too.
However, the mass transit of kids to the village from as far away
as the North Shore of Chicago, etc. is getting far too congested.
Not to be too over-the-top here, I think the allocations of candies
donated in various cited locals of Woodstock makes total sense.
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