Estes Park will implement a temporary closure of a stretch of Elkhorn Avenue to vehicular traffic on Saturday, October 31, to accommodate downtown trick-or-treating. The closure is scheduled to occur from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with setup and initial traffic diversions commencing earlier, at 4:15 p.m.
The specific segment of Elkhorn Avenue affected by this closure will extend from Spruce Drive to East Riverside Drive. During the designated hours, traffic on side streets will be detoured around the event area. These arrangements are being made to enhance safety and facilitate pedestrian movement for participants in the annual Halloween event.
The town has articulated that the closure serves a dual purpose: to provide pedestrians with more space to move freely and safely, and to enable nearby businesses to more readily participate in the trick-or-treating activities. By removing vehicles from this primary downtown thoroughfare, the town aims to cultivate a more accessible and festive environment for both local families and visitors attending the celebration.
To ensure pedestrian safety and manage the flow of attendees, several measures will be in place. Fencing and cones will be used to guide individuals towards designated crosswalks, promoting organized crossing. Additionally, Estes Park police officers will be stationed throughout the downtown area during the event. Their presence is intended to assist with traffic control, maintain public order, and offer guidance to those participating.
Families attending the trick-or-treating event are advised to observe specific safety recommendations. Participants are encouraged to wear visible costumes, especially as evening approaches, and to carry flashlights after dark to improve their visibility. It is also recommended that individuals walk rather than run while navigating the downtown area. Furthermore, outside of the explicitly closed streets, attendees should make use of sidewalks and designated crosswalks for safe movement. Adhering to these guidelines is expected to contribute to a secure and enjoyable experience for all.
Businesses and various organizations within the community that are interested in joining the downtown Halloween festivities have the opportunity to participate. Entities wishing to contribute to the trick-or-treating or engage with the event in other capacities can contact the Estes Chamber of Commerce for coordination. The Chamber is facilitating the involvement of local establishments for this annual community gathering, which provides a dedicated timeframe for families to experience a pedestrian-friendly Halloween celebration.
