HYDE PARK — Much of Hyde Park’s Halloween energy will get focused onto one block of Harper Avenue on Saturday.
The cottage-lined stretch of Harper Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets will transform on Saturday afternoon into a ghoulish playground where more than 2,000 kids are expected to come trick-or-treating.
The loosely coordinated festivities have been a tradition in the neighborhood for years, with the homeowners on the block covering their bushes in cobwebs and the more ambitious neighbors building elaborate sets that include everything from giant moving spiders to far bigger.
Greg Lane, who lives midblock, wouldn’t say what he was working except to say “the thing” would span the street and mostly be made of reclaimed materials he has on hand.
After two years of rainy, cold or windy Halloweens, there is likely a lot of pent up energy for trick-or-treaters and those handing out the candy.
“I bet there is, there is for us,” Lane said.
On an average year, Lane said he will give out 2,000 pieces of candy.
“There’s a line, unending, for four hours,” Lane said. “That’s expensive — and I like to give out the full-size candy, which is nutty.”
Buying in bulk is definitely required for thrifty residents of Harper around Halloween.
The decorations were just starting to go up on Wednesday with a few scarecrows and headstones. The preparations really begin in earnest around 2 p.m. on Saturday when the street is shut down.
Trick-or-treaters start showing up around 4 p.m. and the candy is usually about running out when festivities end at 8 p.m.
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