From ghost stories on Main Street to hundreds of spooky goblins flitting around Sandy Hook, the ramp-up to Halloween 2015 is in full swing — with bubbling anticipation of Newtown’s main event on October 31 becoming palpable around the community.

A heavy police presence is anticipated on Main Street for Saturday evening to help control traffic as thousands of Halloween revelers converge to enjoy the costumes, candy, and more than a few homes outfitted with extravagantly spooky décor.

Passersby of The Matthew Curtiss House on Saturday, October 17, may have seen one of the two groups of ghost tour participants being led by Martha “Marty” Bishop in her black cowl. A former teacher, school librarian and accomplished actress, Ms Bishop is a member of the Connecticut Storytelling Center.

She organizes the Tellabration Celebration in Newtown and Bethel each year, is the author of a children’s book, and plays violin in the band Senior Melodiers. She has also has conducted ghost tours in Bethel for several years as well as last year’s sold-out Newtown walk.

Ahead of the first walk along Main Street earlier this month, Ms Bishop explained that many of her most riveting stories come from the people she has met or led on prior ghost tours.

“They want me to hear about the spirits they have seen,” she said. “And Connecticut is so rich in ghostly happenings, from the creepy Dudleytown ‘Village of the Damned’ in Cornwall to Newtown’s own ‘Demon Murder Trial.’ Everyone from Mary Hawley to the families and residents who lived through the Revolution and Civil Wars. People died protecting their homes… and many of them still are.”

Then on Saturday, October 24, Sandy Hook Center was overrun by young costumed visitors participating in the fifth annual SHOP Halloween Walk. Most of the local businesses welcomed children in for candy or other treats. Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary was also camped out distributing candy, as well as collecting items for FAITH Food Pantry.

Safety Warnings

Newtown Police, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, as well as AAA of Southern New England all issued safety advisories for Halloween.

“Safety of these pedestrians, many of them being children, is paramount due to the dark conditions and the fact that traffic will still be allowed to travel on Main Street,” said Newtown Police Lieutenant Chris Vanghele, who is also Patrol Division Commander for the town’s police department.

The police department will have lighted message boards on Route 25 to warn motorists that pedestrians may be in the roadway, will have cones set up in the roadway, and will have three lighted areas for assisted pedestrian crossings, he added. Officers will be crossing pedestrians near Currituck Road, Main Street at the flagpole, and at the police department.

“Parents should remain in control of their children at all times,” Lt Vanghele added. “Walk only on sidewalks or on the grass; do not walk on the roadway.”

The Connecticut State Police offered the following tips for keeping our state’s youngest residents safe during the evening of October 31:

*Wear bright, light-colored or reflective costumes so that motorists see you. Add reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags for increased visibility.

*Do not wear a mask that hinders vision in any way.

*Carry a flashlight so that you will be seen as you walk from house to house.

*Use caution as you visit houses. Be alert for objects or toys in the walkway or on the porch.

*Never enter anyone’s house or car for a treat.

*Always go trick-or-treating in a group that includes adults; never go out alone.

*Only collect treats from those you know.

*Do not eat any treats until you arrive home and your parents inspect all goodies.

*Always watch for cars as you walk from house to house.

Pedestrian Precautions

Before Halloween night, homeowners should clear walkways of any obstacles that could hamper visits from costumed youngsters.

Parents should inspect all treats collected by their children and dispose of any items that appear to be unsafe for consumption, such as unwrapped, partially opened, discolored, or out-of-the ordinary treats.

In addition, prior to Halloween night parents are urged to check the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry so they can map out their trick-or-treating routes accordingly.

Unfortunately, tragedies have been known to happen on Halloween. With this in mind, AAA is also offering a few reminders:

*Nearly 40 percent of fatal crashes nationally on Halloween night involve a drunk driver;

*One-third of those crash fatalities involve a pedestrian; and

*Fatal injuries nearly double when the holiday falls on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Anyone heading out for trick or treating is encouraged to review safety precautions and plan the route ahead of time. Remind children to never cross the street mid-block or between parked cars, and buckle up.

If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.

On Halloween, motorists need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 pm and midnight, when pedestrians are most vulnerable. As a result, AAA Northeast advises drivers to slow down to watch for trick-or-treaters, who may cross between parked cars or mid-block.    

And because Halloween has evolved into a popular adult holiday, AAA also recommends party-going adults designate a sober driver to take them home at the end of the night.