Kern Place Halloween event canceled this year

The streets in Kern Place will likely have fewer trick-or-treaters this year.

A popular event for thousands in the neighborhood near Madeline Park has been canceled.

The “Halloween Street Closure” took place the last two Halloweens. Kern Place Association’s board president said they organized it in the past, but what started as a neighborhood event quickly grew too large to manage safely.

Thousands of people flocked to Kern Place last year to trick-or-treat. Those who live in the neighborhood quickly heard the news that the “Halloween Street Closure” is canceled this year.

“I’m sure people will come out regardless and if there’s as many people as there has been, I’m sure they’re going to bring it back,” one man said.

Kern Place Association event organizers from the past couple of years are saddened the event can’t take place due to lack of funds from fewer membership renewals and fewer volunteers to man street blockades. KPA Board President Marissa Villegas said it really all comes down to safety.

“It’s pretty sad but last year was so overwhelming for us. We had a lost child. We had a car that was vandalized. We estimated about 4,000-5,000 kids in the neighborhood,” Villegas said.

The disappointment in the Halloween event cancellation has already sparked some questions.

“Is there any way the city or somebody else could support it? Is there any way to keep the festivities alive?” one woman asked.

Many are holding out hope for next year.

Villegas said the association is concerned that if they would have thrown it this year without proper resources that a child may have ended up hurt. She is already taking steps to reach out to Kern Place’s city representative, Ann Morgan Lilly, and other city departments to see if help would be available for next year.