Up to a Point
I’ve written about Halloween at WSP Blog in the past and was surprised to find out in 2011 that Washington Square Park was barricaded off early evening during the famous Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. Last year, the NYPD closed the park at 8 p.m. A police officer told me last night that 8 p.m. was the shut down time, but, as of 8:30 p.m., the park was fine, open, and bustling. There were, however, a lot of police; there were even three or four police officers on horses by the fountain early evening.
Apparently, the city started closing the park on Halloween during Mayor Bloomberg’s reign; in 2011 while Michael Bloomberg was Mayor, it was shuttered as early as 6:30 p.m. I think they can see that it is fine to leave this public space open. Anyone there later to report in on actual closing time?
Reese’s got in the mix with their “Candy Converter” stationed on Fifth Avenue near Washington Square North across from the park. It was gimmicky as anything, but it was a big hit. “Unwanted” candy could be “exchanged” into this vending machine and out popped a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (or two). The candy exchanged was being donated to a local shelter. (?)
Some other bonus photos:
This sweet Super Dog took part in the Washington Square Park Dog Run’s Halloween Parade on Sunday:
Some other park in the fall photos from the weekend:
Previously at Washington Square Park Blog:
Greenwich Village On Halloween Night – Policing Run Amok? Washington Square Park Closed; Access to Parade Limited; Streets Dangerously Barricaded November 1, 2011
Photos: Cathryn