What a week for West Pittstonians.
Halloween hit a new level this past week when thousands of people converged at the borough to take in the sights and sounds of Halloween, complete with a fireworks display.
West Pittston’s nickname was always the Garden Village noted for the lush trees that line the streets, but one day a year for the foreseeable future, the borough will be known as Halloweentown.
Neighborhood pockets all over West Pittston were always known as hotspots for Trick or Treat, but ground zero has always been Delaware Avenue, particularly the 200 and 300 blocks anchored by the “Mansion” located at the corner of Delaware Ave. and Fourth St.
Growing up on the 300 block of Delaware Avenue, the Mansion was always the place to go. The Hughes family owned the house back in a day and the line for, not candy, but an apple, was usually down the steps and on the sidewalk.
There was a certain mystic growing up in that neighborhood because the Hughes family always kept to themselves and was not seen much. They were not porch-dwellers, you’d never see them garden, or taking in the groceries. … At least I never did.
As children, we would always talk about crazy things like they kept a casket in the attic and Mrs. Hughes wore black with a black vale over her face. It was kid stuff, but it was harmless imagination that kept the mystic alive.
I covered Halloweentown activities starting at Wyoming Avenue and made my way west down the 200 block of Delaware Avenue finishing at the end of the 300 block taking a video the whole way.
Speaking first hand, I’ve never, ever seen crowds like that on Halloween night. Words cannot describe the massive crowds that assembled for treats.
I believe I saw just about every costume on the market and many, many more homemade outfits.
I saw everyone from babies in strollers to teens to adults dressed up. In my estimation, more teens and adults were collecting candy than the younger children.
There were plenty of families as a unit all dressed up going through the lines.
When we hit a certain age, I’d say 14 or 15 years old, we stopped dressing up for Halloween, probably feeling it was too juvenile or beneath us. Not anymore.
People came from all over NEPA including four teens that drove from Scranton. They parked near Luzerne Avenue looking for Delaware Avenue. I overheard the one girl on the cellphone saying she was lost so I was able to help point them in the right direction.
I later ran into them asking what they thought and they were amazed.
There were plenty of house parties along the way; I even crashed a few. The parties were like the Super Bowl, Christmas, and Halloween all rolled into one.
Halloweentown is a conception by a few neighbors, in particular, on Delaware Avenue that thought, since Halloween is so popular on their block, why not bring some notoriety to the borough. Initially it was a great idea and some residents immediately got on board, some not so crazy about the idea, but in the end, it was a huge boost to the borough.
Judging by the response, it worked.
The other hotspot was Wyoming Avenue, across the street from the Agolino’s Restaurant parking lot. There were three homes that outdid themselves and was a huge attraction for anyone driving along Rt. 11. I take may hat off to any resident that spent tons of money to decorate for Halloween. I’m sure those 12-foot skeleton statues were not cheap at all.
Then there are the treats, treats by the tens of thousands. Kit Kat, Milky Way, lollipops, licorice, and much, much more were handed out that night.
I just happened to be at Wyoming Avenue when fireworks were fired off and it was pretty cool to see. I think everyone stopped to watch.
West Pittston Tomorrow stepped up and held a best decorated Halloween house choosing three homes. Antonio’s Pizza, Old Mill Pine and Classic Cards donated prizes to the winners.
Live music was played by recording artist Tori V & the Karma, another crowd pleaser.
It was quite the sight to see so many people milling about on Wyoming Avenue. Not even on Cherry Blossom Festival parade day matched the numbers on Halloween.
I read many comments on social media and most, if not all were in favor and many thanking West Pittston for creating a safe-haven for children and families to trick or treat.
Rob Bresnahan stepped in to purchase an insurance policy to cover the event, Kuharchik Construction provided extra lighting, and Wyoming Area Regional Police were very present with patrolman on foot and in cruisers.
I’m sure many can’t wait until what’s in store for next year.
I’d like to wish all the local athletes running in the NYC Marathon. I can’t imagine running 26-miles and why people do it, is beyond me. Good luck to all.
I’d like to wish F4 racer Michael Costello good luck this weekend at Austin, Texas, at the Circuit of the America’s race.
Michael, is the son of Pittston dentist, Dr. John Costello, is currently sitting in second place in the standings. His goal is to drive at the Indy 500 in the near future.
Thought of the Week
“Reputation is what strangers think of you. Character is what your friends think of you.” – Ricky Gervais
Quote of the Week
“He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived.” – Chinese proverb
Bumper Sticker
“Not taking things personally is a superpower.” – James Clear
