Raleigh extends Halloween weekend to boost local business
City officials anticipate thousands of visitors for the holiday, prompting road closures in Glenwood South and a surge in activity for neighborhood shops.
By Ana Salazar ·
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, creating a three-day window for celebrations in Raleigh, North Carolina. City officials expect thousands of people to participate in local events and the Oaks Marathon in Glenwood South over the weekend. The extended schedule is designed to maximize foot traffic for local merchants.
Traffic on Oakwood Street and surrounding areas is expected to be heavy. The city will close a stretch of Glenwood South between Jones Street and Peace Street to vehicles starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday. This closure allows pedestrians to move freely through the commercial district.
Lisa Sullivan, a resident of the neighborhood for seven years, said the Saturday date allows working adults to join the festivities. She noted that the extra time makes it easier for people with standard jobs to participate. Sullivan described the atmosphere as already building, with neighbors preparing costumes and decorations.
Business owners are preparing for a spike in customers. Stephen Allen, co-owner of Miami Rush on Peace Street, stated that Halloween is typically one of the busiest days of the year for his establishment. He said the additional day of activity will help offset the slower sales that usually occur when colder weather arrives. Allen planned to keep the bar open to capture the increased volume.
Maura McCarthy, owner of Bold Batch Creamery, set up a pop-up stand outside the Bend Bar on Morgan Street. She offered Halloween-specific ice cream flavors, including a mixture of house-made candies named trick or treat, a chocolate and cookie option called Cookies and Scream, and a dark variety labeled the Grim Reaper. Lines formed outside her stand as the weekend began.
The combination of good weather and the holiday created a high volume of visitors. McCarthy observed the crowds lining the street and predicted a busy weekend for her business. The extended holiday provides a final burst of activity for local businesses before the seasonal slowdown takes hold.
Source: WTVD
