Traverse City's Trick Or Treat Capital

The residents of Central Neighborhood are used to sharing their streets for the likes of the National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival or fall high school football games at nearby Thirlby Field. But on Halloween, neighborhood traffic soars to new heights, as hundreds or even thousands come from the far reaches of the city and county.

With its closely clustered rows of houses, larger-than-life holiday decorations and generous door-greeters (rumors abound about full-size candy bars distributed on Sixth Street), Central Neighborhood has become the area's top destination for trick-or-treating.

“Thousands of kids come from all over,” says Traverse City Commissioner Jim Carruthers, who lives on Eleventh Street. “Everybody loves the spirit of the holidays. It can be overwhelming...but it's nice. It's small-town Americana.”

Central Neighborhood Association President Seamus Shinners says that “by and large, everyone who lives” in the neighborhood has come to “respect the fact this is a good place to go for trick-or-treaters.” He adds: “It's in a central location, you can cover a lot of ground and it's safe for kids.” Because participation is voluntary, residents who don't wish to engage can simply leave their porch lights off, signaling trick-or-treaters to move on. However, many residents “make a big effort of decorating their houses...they go the whole nine yards,” Shinners says.

Eighth Street resident Abby Porter is one of dozens of homeowners who invite friends and family over to partake in the festivities. Kids dress up and help pass out treats or visit neighbors to trick-or-treat, while adults enjoy cocktails and socialize. “It's become a fun tradition,” Porter says. “We love seeing all the costumes. It's a fun part of being in Central Neighborhood. So many people have their own traditions or decorations, and you see them do them every year.”

Sara Bageris, who lives just north of Porter on Oak and Wadsworth, has become legendary in the neighborhood for her own unique tradition. “For about 10 years, we've done cotton candy and popcorn,” the Central Grade School teacher says, noting the freshly made treats tend to draw “lots of people waiting in line” outside her door. “It's how we celebrate Halloween at our house,” she says. “My husband and I and our kids really enjoy doing it. Lots of family and friends come.”

Supplying enough candy for a three-hour stream of trick-or-treaters doesn't come cheap. Porter estimates her family spends approximately $120 on candy every year, distributing an estimated 1,200 pieces. “We usually have to make a run to the store to get more, too,” she says. “But I know there are people on Sixth Street who go through over 2,000 pieces of candy.” Some residents elect to stick to a set budget and turn their lights off when they run out of sweets; others, like Porter, make a mad dash to the store to restock, unwilling to disappoint the eager faces coming up their walkways.

A recent Slate.com column featuring a question from a wealthy neighborhood resident about distributing candy to outside trick-or-treaters stirred a nationwide debate over the etiquette of crossing residential lines for the holiday. The Ticker asked Central Neighborhood residents what they thought about hosting trick-or-treaters from other areas – a significant portion of the participating demographic. Those who responded said they welcomed non-neighborhood children to their block.

“If you live in the countryside, what are the opportunities for those kids?” asks Carruthers. “It's nice to see people open their doors and welcome other kids and families.”

Porter agrees. “I don't mind at all handing out candy to kids from outside our neighborhood,” she says. “It's part of the excitement. Seeing all the droves of people who come out – it's a cool thing.”

Elsewhere in TC...
Official trick-or-treating hours within city limits are 5-8pm tonight. The Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) will host its annual Downtown Halloween Walk from 3:30-5pm, featuring door-to-door trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses. The State Theatre will also host a free family Halloween party – featuring treats, activities, cartoons and “haunted” basement tours – from 3:30-6pm.

The Traverse City Police Department advises adults to accompany small and elementary-school age children when trick-or-treating, and to send older children in groups. Officials also recommend choosing costumes that are flame-retardant, light/reflective or marked with reflective tape, and properly fitted to avoid tripping or injury.

Photo credit: Abby Porter