'This Isn't About Canceling Halloween': Block Party Nixed On Haddonfield's Washington Ave.

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Although thousands of trick-or-treaters are expected to flock to Haddonfield's Washington Avenue, there will be no block party this year.

Washington Avenue is filled with larger-than-life displays during the spooky season. In the past, Haddonfield has approved road closures for the popular Halloween destination.

But local officials say it's getting difficult to manage. As a result, the "block party" portion of the event will not be held, and Washington Avenue will be open to vehicle traffic during trick-or-treating hours.

Police Chief Jason Cutler made the decision.

"This decision reflects several key public safety concerns," Cutler said in a statement Tuesday, "including challenges created by previous block party-related road closures and the department’s current lack of resources to safely manage an event of that scale in a residential setting."

More than 5,000 people trick-or-treated on Washington Avenue last year, making it difficult to guarantee everyone's safety, according to Mayor Dave Siedell.

"This isn’t about canceling Halloween - it’s about protecting our whole community," Siedell said on social media. "By keeping Washington open to traffic and encouraging trick-or-treating across all neighborhoods, we’re giving families the freedom to decide where and how to celebrate while making sure our limited resources are used to keep every part of Haddonfield safe."

Haddonfield Police will continue to support safe, neighborhood-based trick-or-treating, Cutler says. Additional officers will be present at Washington Avenue to monitor activity and assist as needed.

The borough's recommended trick-or-treating hours are 3-6 p.m.