NORWAY — Selectmen decided Thursday evening to opt for ways to improve safety during the annual Halloween Festival rather than closing Main Street to vehicles. 

After Town Manager David Holt’s suggestion, the board agreed to hold private talks with the fire and police chiefs to come up with measures to improve safety, including erecting signs to slow traffic. 

The annual Halloween festival attracts approximately 3,500 people — including 800 kids — as businesses and homes decorate their shops and dole out candy. There were concerns that children occasionally disobey crossing guards and run into the road, Fire Chief Dennis Yates said. 

Norway Downtown, which puts on the event with the help of the town, already recommends parents trick-or-treat where they park. 

Debra Partridge, director the Recreation Department, said the night is popular and even people without children come to watch. On the other hand, closing could burden businesses on a busy night.

“To close down Main Street is a big thing,” Partridge said. “It’s a hard call.”  

In other news, the board approved closing Deering Street on the evening of the Halloween Festival for a circus dance performance in Town Square organized by the Nevaeh Dance Company. The outdoor event is free and the public is welcome.

ccrosby@sunjournal.com 


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