Berlin town officials are evaluating changes to Halloween operations for next year, including potential adjustments to trick-or-treating hours and expanded pedestrian safety measures.
The proposal to shift trick-or-treating hours from the traditional 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. window to a 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. slot was suggested by Council Vice President Jack Orris during Monday night’s Town Council meeting. Orris said that while the municipality does not officially sponsor the holiday, officials should encourage families to participate during times when road closures are active. Berlin Police Chief Howard Drewer reported that his department implemented additional traffic restrictions this year to manage the influx of pedestrians. Officers closed Main Street from Buckingham Presbyterian Church to the Atlantic Hotel, along with sections of West Street, as crowds grew. Drewer stated he would be willing to file formal permits for these closures in future years to ensure the restrictions are more predictable for residents and motorists.
“We didn’t plan it so much this year other than watching the horizon,” Drewer said. “Next year, I would be glad to file permits. Whichever hours the mayor and council decide…[trick-or-treating] is not sponsored by anybody, but we can at least sponsor the road being closed.”
Mayor Zack Tyndall explained that the decision to implement road closures this year was driven by the fact that Halloween fell on a Saturday with favorable weather conditions. “We talked about the fact it will be a Saturday and warm weather,” Tyndall said. “The chief spearheaded that to make sure we had people to be able to lock it down if needed.”
Some council members expressed doubt regarding the effectiveness of shifting official hours. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols observed that trick-or-treaters were active in the town as early as 4 p.m. and continued through 9 p.m. this year.
She argued that children and families are likely to remain out regardless of any designated timeframe established by the town.
“They will be out regardless of what time we have,” Nichols said. Nichols also raised concerns about vehicles entering Main Street from Washington Street, suggesting that the town consider installing additional barriers.
Drewer confirmed that the department utilized no-through-traffic signage near Burley Street and stationed a crossing guard at the intersection of West and West Buckingham streets to manage vehicle flow. Town officials are expected to review these logistical proposals ahead of the next Halloween season.
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