Community Corner

Sandy Sabotages Halloween in Maplewood

Halloween parade moved to Nov. 5; trick-or-treating deemed too dangerous tonight.

 

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Hurricane Sandy has made a horror show out of Halloween this year. With many trees and downed power lines still littering the streets, Maplewood officials have decided to postpone the Halloween parade -- and trick-or-treating -- to Monday, Nov. 5.

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The parade was first postponed to Friday, but "After meeting with fire and police chiefs, and the DPW, it did not appear that we will have enough (streets) cleared by then," said Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca.

Officials were also taking into account that Gov. Chris Christie issued an executive order declaring that no New Jersey town can hold trick-or-treating on Wednesday.

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are making our best recommendation that people not go out trick-or-treating tonight," said DeLuca. "Use your common sense." He said township officials were still cautioning people not to walk around on the street and to stay home as much as possible. He said if parents would take their children out in these conditions, "What are you thinking?"

Maplewood's Halloween Parade and Costume Contest will take place on Monday from 3 - 5 p.m. in Maplewood Village.  

Some children could be seen in Maplewood Village Wednesday with costumes on. One mother said her two sons were "reverse trick-or-treating," meaning they were handing candy out to others in stores and on Maplewood Avenue.

Other parents said they were having Halloween parties at home.

What are your plans for Halloween tonight? Or are you just waiting to celebrate on Monday? Let us know in comments.


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