UPDATE: The Halloween Safe Zones were a huge hit! Approximately 2,000 kids trick-or-treated in the 21st Ward this year. Alderman Antonio French called the event a great success and pledged to make it even better next year.
Video from STLouisCore.com
This Halloween kids in north St. Louis have a safe place to trick-or-treat. Saturday night, October 31, 2009, Alderman Antonio French will host three Halloween “safe zones” in the 21st Ward. From 6:00 to 9:00 PM this Saturday, Halloween Night, families can bring their kids to designated safe blocks, where they will be able to go from door-to-door and collect candy from welcoming neighbors. This is the second year of this annual event.
Alderman French has partnered with Captain Warnecke of the 6th Police District to ensure the safety of all trick-or-treaters; police officers will patrol all the participating blocks during the allotted time. Block Captains and neighbors on “safe zone” blocks have come together to host this event, agreeing to turn on their porch lights and pass out candy from their homes. Local businesses and organizations, including STL Supermarket and the Dream Center, have donated all the candy for the event. Other festivities will include pumpkin carving, and an outdoor scary movie (weather permitting!).
“Halloween is a tradition that children look forward to all over the nation,” said Alderman French. “Creating ‘safe zones’ allows our kids to participate without fear. It’s great to see kids out after dark trick-or-treating just like we used to when we were younger. I’m proud to host an event which highlights the sense community that continues to thrive in north St. Louis.”
This year’s 21st Ward Halloween Safe Zones are 4400-4500 Holly Ave & 4400-4500 Athlone Ave (Between W Florissant and Carter); 4100-4200 San Francisco (Between Fair and Turner); and 4700 Kossuth and 4700 Lee (Between Shreve and Marcus).