For over 30 years Shenandoah families enjoyed a tradition known as Halloween Safe Streets where certain streets were blocked and the city provided candy to designated homes for distribution. With Covid concerns in 2020, the event was changed to a parade where city officials and staff handed out candy. Citing growing non-resident attendance, automobile safety, liability and an increased threat of drug related crimes, city staff recommended the tradition be reinvented. A committee will be formed later this year to propose changes for future Halloween events starting in 2023.
The idea of a committee was brought up by council member Charlie Bradt during the September 14 city council meeting. He said, “I always liked Safe Streets. I never liked the parade.” Council member Ted Fletcher said he was disappointed the topic was not brought to council sooner, stating a committee should have been formed last January. Although many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the parade on social media, no one made public comments about Safe Streets at the meeting during Citizens Forum.
Police Chief Troye Dunlap noted safety concerns such as high non-resident attendance and heavy traffic stating, “The event has grown beyond what I consider to be a safe event. When the event was small, when it was just the valley, it was really cool. I loved it.” He also noted the potential for harm when there is a lack of control over who handles the candy. “It only takes one person to drop a fentanyl laced candy into the [candy] bowl.” He said in 2019 an estimated 1000 people participated in Safe Streets. Shenandoah’s total population is about 3500.
City attorney Bill Ferebee said, “From the legal side if we are going to put on an event called Safe Streets we are advertising it is safe.” Although other city events which attract large crowds such as National Night Out and Lighting of the Angels were mentioned, similar safety concerns that might impact those events were not discussed.
Safe Streets originated with the Civic Club hosting a block party style event in response to nationwide reports of tainted candy across the country. Residents who want to volunteer for the committee or provide input should contact city hall at 281-298-5522.
