Increased pedestrian traffic and temporary street closures expected during Halloween festivities
With Halloween activities planned across Salisbury on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, the City of Salisbury encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead, remain alert and take extra precautions while traveling through downtown and residential neighborhoods.
Several community events, including Halloween Fun Fest, downtown trick-or-treating and neighborhood celebrations, are expected to bring increased pedestrian activity and temporary street closures. Drivers should anticipate changing traffic patterns, allow additional travel time and use extra caution, particularly in areas where children and families will be walking.
Friday, October 30
The 100 block of East Fisher Street will be closed to accommodate the Witches Dance Bizarre Bazaar, scheduled from 4 to 10 p.m.
Motorists traveling through downtown should plan for increased pedestrian traffic and follow posted detour signs and traffic directions.
Saturday, October 31
A variety of Halloween activities are planned throughout the community, with several events overlapping during the afternoon and evening.
Downtown Salisbury and Bell Tower Green
Halloween Fun Fest takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. in Downtown Salisbury and at Bell Tower Green, featuring family-friendly activities and a costume contest at 6:30 p.m. Downtown trick-or-treating will also take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at participating businesses.
To accommodate Halloween Fun Fest, the following streets bordering Bell Tower Green will be closed:
- 100 block of S. Church Street
- 200 block of W. Fisher Street
- 100 block of S. Jackson Street
A hayride will also operate in the area of Church, Bank and Jackson streets.
Fulton Heights and Residential Neighborhoods
In the Fulton Heights neighborhood, Halloween trick-or-treating is expected to bring significant pedestrian traffic during the evening hours.
The 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Mitchell Avenue will be temporarily closed from approximately 6 to 7 p.m. Additional pedestrian activity is expected along Fulton Street from approximately 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Salisbury Police officers will patrol the area, with additional traffic safety measures in place to help protect pedestrians.
Other neighborhoods throughout Salisbury may also experience increased pedestrian activity as families participate in Halloween festivities.
Halloween Safety Reminders
The Salisbury Police and Fire departments encourage everyone to take a few simple precautions to help keep Halloween safe.
For drivers:
- Reduce speed in neighborhoods and areas with heavy pedestrian activity.
- Watch carefully for children crossing streets or walking between parked vehicles.
- Avoid distractions, including cell phones, while driving.
- Follow posted signs, temporary traffic controls and directions from law enforcement officers.
- Allow additional travel time when traveling through downtown or near community events.
For pedestrians and trick-or-treaters:
- Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
- Look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers when possible.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks and consider reflective accessories to improve visibility.
- Make sure costumes and masks do not obstruct vision or create tripping hazards.
- Keep young children accompanied by a responsible adult.
Parking and Traffic Information
Visitors attending downtown activities are encouraged to use designated public parking lots and allow additional time to reach their destinations.
Temporary street closures and increased pedestrian activity may affect access to some downtown streets and parking areas. Motorists should follow posted signs and directions from officers working in the area.
Salisbury Police and Fire personnel will be present throughout the community to assist with traffic safety and public safety during Halloween activities.
The City of Salisbury wishes everyone a fun and safe Halloween weekend!