In light of the weather forecast tonight, First Selectwoman Bonnie Remsnyder made the following announcement yesterday, “As everyone has heard, the weather on Oct. 31st, Halloween, is not looking very good. I have heard that some towns have postponed their town-sponsored, outdoor plans to another night, while others have “cancelled” Halloween, and announced that they will have it on another date.
Halloween and trick-or-treating is not a town-sponsored or planned event, though we do collect candy to support the LYSB effort to defray the cost for residents on Lyme St.
LYSB has an indoor party for younger children, and in cooperation with the Fire Department, sponsors a short parade, but they make it clear that the party is rain or shine, and the parade is weather-dependent.
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts has a new tradition this year – the Pumpkin Patch, a display of pumpkins painted by Lyme-Old Lyme students, along with indoor movies and, of course, candy. They will be open from 5 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
As a result of questions appearing on social media about whether the Town is going to make a decision about Halloween, I reached out to surrounding towns, and East Lyme notwithstanding, none of the other towns are taking any action to cancel, postpone, or make any announcement other than urging drivers to be extra cautious on October 31st, as large numbers of families will be out walking after dark.
The Town of Old Lyme will not be issuing a “decision” on this either. I think it is best to leave the decision about going out on Halloween up to the families with children, as well as the homeowners who will be opening their homes to treat them. Attempting to change a hard and fast date for trick-or-treat due to inclement weather risks confusion for families on both sides of the equation, and anxiety for those who cannot change their schedules. We do urge everyone to be extra cautious in the rain.
In an effort to be a good neighbor, Town Hall will be open for the use of facilities, and make the Meeting Hall available for visitors.”
Details of the LYSB Halloween Party
It’s a tradition that’s been going more than 20 years!
This evening, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau will host a Halloween Party for children aged 12 months through 2nd grade from 5 to 6 p.m. This is a free, fun family event offering games, crafts, photo booth fun, face painting, and more.
All “little goblins” must be accompanied by an adult.
Then, whatever the weather, the traditional costume parade will leave the firehouse at 6:15 p.m. when all party participants are invited to march down Lyme Street behind a fire truck.
Here’s wishing all our readers a SAFE and Happy Halloween!