No Road Closure on Summer Street on Halloween

Trick-or-treating will still take place throughout the Town of Kennebunk on October 31 as usual, and many Summer Street residents still plan to decorate and welcome trick-or-treaters.

In previous years, this event has required the closure of Summer Street to accommodate a large crowd. However, after careful consideration and in coordination with homeowners on Summer Street, the decision has been made to keep the street open to vehicular traffic on Halloween.

The decision is based on several reasons:

• Resident Concerns: Many Summer Street residents have expressed concerns about dealing with restricted access to their homes for extended periods and the increasing burden of purchasing large amounts of candy to accommodate the large crowds.
• State Road Regulations: The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) has imposed stricter regulations on state road closures, including Summer Street, which is part of Route 35.
• Public Safety: Both police and fire departments have had to deploy additional personnel each year to manage the event, further straining local resources. Please note that with this change additional public safety measures are being evaluated.
• Community Impact: Residents in other neighborhoods have noted a decline in trick-or-treaters as more people flock to Summer Street, affecting the traditional community spirit across the town.

What originally started by the homeowners on Summer Street as a small, local event, has since grown into a large-scale gathering that has become difficult for current residents to sustain. With many of the original organizers having moved away, the new homeowners have made efforts to continue the tradition. It is important to note that this has never been an official Town or Chamber of Commerce event and asking private homeowners to manage such a significant event has become increasingly challenging.

No Change to Business Trick-or-Treating

The Business Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Kennebunk, Lower Village and Dock Square will be held from 4-6 p.m. as usual on Halloween, and the Kennebunk Police and Fire departments will join in. New this year, there will also be a Halloween Party at the Waterhouse Center in Downtown Kennebunk. (See flyers below).

Public Safety Advisory:

We ask the public to exercise extreme caution when navigating the roads in Kennebunk on Halloween and on Summer Street because it may continue to attract a larger volume of pedestrians. Trick-or-treaters are urged to stay out of the roadway and use the sidewalks. Please be mindful of vehicles and use designated crosswalks.

Tips for a Safe Experience:

• Stick to sidewalks and avoid walking in the street.
• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing streets.
• Wear light colored clothing, reflective tape or use lights to increase visibility.
• Always accompany young children.
• If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, talk with them about safety.

We appreciate the community's cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for all.