Houlton Police urge caution for Halloween

    HOULTON, Maine — Once again, in an effort to promote public safety on Halloween night, the Houlton Police Department will block off High Street (between Franklin Avenue and Park Street) to through traffic from 4:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
    “Typically, residents in this area see several hundred children during the evening trick or treating and it can become quite congested with vehicles, adults, teenagers, small children and their pets,” Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said. “This is an exciting time for children and they aren’t always watching for oncoming traffic as they walk from one residence to another.”
Vehicular traffic and parking is allowed on the adjoining streets.
“The department hopes to have volunteers from the Citizen’s Police Academy posted at either end of High Street. The volunteers will move the barricades for emergency vehicles and for the people who reside in that area,” he said. “The department will have one officer on foot patrol within the enclosed area to assist where needed. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact Lt. Daniel Pelletier.”
Because of the lack of sidewalks and the width of the street, the south side of Franklin Avenue by Dow’s Market will be posted with No Parking signs for 200 feet east and west of the intersection. Parking will be allowed only on one side of the street in that vicinity.
Weeks Street will also be blocked off by the Fair Street intersection.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also be screening children’s candy and treats at the police department. This is an annual service CBP offered free to the community.