Halloween is what many Haddonfield residents look forward to during the spooky season. Peering in the windows of businesses, you can spot mannequins with witches’ hats, skeletons showing off the newest apparel, festive food menus, and autumnal leaves framing the displays. After all, the award-winning movie Halloween took inspiration from our quaint town. Haddonfield, founded in 1721, is also known for its historical architecture that makes the atmosphere all the better on a cool, moonlit night. You can take the Haunted Haddonfield walking tours, hosted by the Historical Society of Haddonfield. It’s no exaggeration to say that Halloween is one of Haddonfield’s most likable holidays, especially when you come to visit for trick-or-treating. While many trick-or-treat in their respective neighborhoods, a great number of kids head over to Washington Avenue.
Washington Avenue is a section of Haddonfield that features houses with plethoras of spooky decorations, whether it be flashy lights, twenty-foot ghoul statues, skeletons-galore, or rooms decorated inside the home for children to explore. Some go for the more classic approach — giant spiders, pirates, ghosts, graveyards, and a spooky-themed carnival — while others like to feature famous pop culture references. Many might notice the “Christine car” in the Stephen King house driveway or the familiar scenes from 80s movies like Karate Kid, E.T., Back to the Future, and Ghostbusters, presenting their ghoul-like counterparts in the front yard of another house. Some houses have created their own infamous Haddonfield themes like the “Witches of Washington” and the “Dead and Breakfast”.
Everyone on this section of Washington Avenue participates in the fun on Halloween, giving out candy for trick-or-treaters and getting to meet new people from out of town. “Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I was excited to live on Washington Avenue, on a street that really takes things seriously,” commented Washington Avenue resident Margo Kaplan, regarding her experience. “It has been almost ten years since we moved to Washington Avenue, and it still feels new in many ways . . . It’s great that people come out of town to trick-or-treat on our street; it’s a ton of fun to share with all of these different communities because not all people have a great spot for trick-or-treating. It’s wonderful that they are able to come into our community.” Indeed, Washington Avenue is appealing to many parents because cars are blocked off, and kids can safely roam around the street while running around with their friends. Despite recent concerns across the country, it is clear that there will not be a shortage of trick-or-treaters on this street. Kaplan explained, “We buy over two thousand pieces of candy every year, and we always run out. Sometimes, we have to go out and buy more during the evening. This is the Halloween street. It’s so cool; it’s so wonderful, but just so you know, be prepared.” Nevertheless, she expressed how incredible it is to celebrate with her community. Some houses sell drinks and give out popcorn to enjoy while trick-or-treating, so people of all ages can enjoy the festivities.
Another popular event on Washington Avenue takes place before the 31st where people can tour the street at night time. Kaplan was very keen on this idea for families with younger children and working parents: “It started a few years ago. It’s an evening where everyone puts their decorations on. It’s an idea that people can experience the decorations before Halloween, especially for little kids who may get really overwhelmed with big crowds.” Besides the tour, many families drive by or go on walks during the day to view the decked out street. Still, Kaplan insisted she and her family have been trying to step up their game to make this year’s Halloween display even better than before. So when you get the opportunity, be sure to check out Washington Avenue this October to get into the spooky mood!
