It’s nearly Halloween and there are celebrations for children of all ages all over town. Some 350-500 children traditionally visit the Bayview/Mountainview neighborhood to trick-or-treat on Oct. 31. In order to streamline traffic and provide a safe space for trick-or-treaters, Bayview and Mountainview avenues become “Halloween One Ways” from 5 to 8 p.m. Traffic flows west on Bayview and east on Mountainview (clockwise). Exceptions can always be made for residents trying to get home. Park and walk is strongly encouraged. So are flashlights and reflective items (or even LED costumes!) for trick-or-treaters.

This neighborhood has been the center of a town tradition for more than 30 years. Many residents love this tradition, though some do not. The Halloween One-Way, in its third year, simply works to say “If 350+ kids are coming to the neighborhood, we shouldn’t also have hundreds of extra cars and traffic jams.” After all, walking from door to door is why people came to this denser area from the outreaches of Homer in the first place.

Please drive with extra caution on all of Homer’s streets this Halloween and have a safe and wonderful Halloween wherever you choose to celebrate. This experiment was an overwhelming success thanks to great volunteers and the support of the Homer Police Department. We may have volunteers from the Fire Department joining us this year and greatly appreciate the community spirit.

Happy Haunting!

Adele Person