Future of Halloween Safe Streets discussed in Shenandoah

The city of Shenandoah is creating a committee to determine the future of its official Halloween event in future years following discussion during a Sept. 14 meeting.

The discussion occurred as Shenandoah City Council had an agenda item on whether to maintain the city’s Halloween parade or return to its Halloween Safe Streets event, which was suspended after the 2019 event due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The matter was brought before the council by Council Member Charlie Bradt, who said he would like to see the event changed from the parade event that has gone on for the past two years. The committee, once officially formed, will reportedly be taking input from the council, area residents and the Shenandoah Police Department.

Shenandoah Police Chief Troye Dunlap said he would like to see the event changed due to the overall growth the event has seen over the years, citing an increased amount of traffic and street parking that could cause safety issues for the police department and attendees.

“There were well over 1,000 people at that time [in 2019],” Dunlap said. “It has grown beyond what I consider a safe event; that is my concern.”

Dunlap said he is in agreement with the committee being formed and taking the next year to plan a “great event.”

The city will continue to host a parade for the 2022 event, and no action was taken on changing the event back to Halloween Safe Streets. Two council members will be serving on the committee once it is formed and will be determined at a later date.