Halloween countdown is on
October 24, 2023 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Randall Street residents are setting a spooky mood ahead of Halloween. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
With a week to go before one of Waterbury’s favorite holidays, folks on Randall Street are starting to prepare with Halloween decorations and a candy collection.
The downtown neighborhood of Randall and Elm streets and Park Row is a popular destination for local trick-or-treaters. On Halloween, the streets for the neighborhood will be closed to traffic starting at 4 p.m., according to resident Jeff Smith.
Parking is available at the State Office Complex near the intersection of Park Row and Randall Street. Visitors are asked to leave dogs at home, Smith noted in a community announcement. “We hope you come visit us and enjoy the fun,” he said.
To help residents stock up with treats, neighbors have organized a candy collection. Boxes are at Brookside Primary School, Crossett Brook Middle School and the Waterbury Public Library where people can contribute candy donations. They will be there until noon on Monday, Oct. 30, according to Jen McCabe, the candy collection captain for this year’s festivities.
McCabe said folks are welcome to also drop off contributions at her house at 7 Elm Street by Monday in time for distribution.
Trick-or-treaters will need to get past the creepy clowns at this Elm Street house. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
No tricks, just treats at the fire station
Another popular Halloween stop is the Waterbury Fire Department fire station on South Main Street.
When asked about this year’s plans, Fire Chief Gary Dillon did not mention any tricks, just treats. He said the station will be open on Halloween starting at 5 p.m. Department members will be there to greet trick-or-treaters and hand out glow necklaces and hot dogs while supplies last.
So far, Dillon said the department is not planning an event that night at the Maple Street station in Waterbury Center.
Randall Street Halloween countdown sign on Monday. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Pre-Halloween for the younger set
The Children’s Room and Waterbury Public Library team up for a pre-Halloween daytime celebration for the younger set.
The fun happens this Thursday, Oct. 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the library and accompanied by Jubal Harp. They promise “spooky stories, spooky songs, spooky harp.”
Games including in an eye-spy hunt and treats are planned. Everyone is invited to wear a costume.