A City of Ansonia Facebook photo from Halloween 2023.
ANSONIA – Looking for a safe place to take the kids trick-or-treating this year? Look no further than Ansonia’s Main Street.
Twenty-two businesses along Main Street are partnering with All In for Ansonia & Derby to hand out candy and treats on Halloween, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A full list of participating businesses is included at the end of this article. The route stretches between the intersections with Maple Street and Bridge Street, and it includes businesses on both Main Street and E. Main Street.
Alisha Freelove, who works with the Salvation Army and spearheaded the organizing for the event, said the aim is to give kids a route to trick-or-treat where their parents don’t have to worry.
“The kids are scattered and we needed somewhere safe for them,” Freelove said. “I figured, let’s see if the businesses want to include themselves to make something safe for the kids to trick-or-treat so the parents don’t have to worry too much this year.”
She said she’s still accepting donations of candy bars in advance of the event. Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army on 26 Lester St.
Freelove credited the Salvation Army and state Rep. Kara Rochelle with helping her to coordinate with businesses.
Also on Main Street, Mayor David Cassetti and staff will be handing out candy and pizza on the steps of city hall at 4:30 p.m. Candy was donated by S & S Mart, Road Ready Used Cars, Capasso Tree Service and Rivers Tree Service, and pizza is provided by Santini’s Pizza Palace, according to a Facebook post.
Freelove also said she’s looking for interest for other holiday events she’s hoping to organize, including a Christmas talent show and a hair modeling show at the Salvation Army.
Halloween Safety Tips
Regardless of where your kids are trick-or-treating, remind them to practice street smarts while they’re out knocking on doors.
Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for accidents involving cars and child pedestrians, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Remind kids to:
Always cross the street at crosswalks, and in groups if possible. Most child pedestrian accidents occur outside of crosswalks.
Use sidewalks when possible. The less time spent in the street, the better.
Stay aware! Even if you have right-of-way, don’t automatically assume a car will stop. Distracted drivers exist, and some drivers may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
Likewise, if you or your children are driving this Halloween, keep your eyes on the road to watch for kids in the street. It takes two to keep the roads safe.
More safety tips are available at the American Academy of Pediatrics link above.
List of Participating Locations
Venus Virtue Beautique (70 Main St.)
Bangkok Room (76 Main St.)
Massimino’s Pizzeria (85 Main St.)
Thepinkjem Studio (94 Main St.)
Uptown Bar and Eatery (102 Main St.)
Palma Restaurant (171 Main St.)
Best Nails (174 Main St.)
Lewis Jewelers (176 Main St.)
Lily’s Nail Art Design (202 Main St.)
Pooch Pizazz Grooming (204 Main St.)
Beauty Supply Essentials (210 Main St.)
Legacy Lounge (232 Main St.)
Islandville (252 Main St.)
New Era Barber Shop (254 Main St.)
12 Mile Bar (8 Water St.)
Julie’s Tailor Shop (291 Main St.)
My Dream Beauty Salon (48 Bridge St.)
Henry’s Nails (324 Main St.)
U.S Army Recruiting Office (334 Main St.)
Chifrijos (311 Main St.)
CT Discount Muffler & Brakes (421 E. Main St.)
Emma’s Pavilion (384 E. Main St.)
