Conjuring up some free Halloween fun in downtown Fall River with Spooky Stroll, party

FALL RIVER — Could Fall River be the next Halloweentown?

With a growing list of spooky season experiences that could someday rival the city's popular Children's Holiday Parade, all signs point to yes.

"We could be like Halloweentown, like a little Salem," said Patti Rego, executive director of Viva Fall River.

Rego and her Viva Fall River crew, in conjunction with Greater Fall River Re-Creation, are conjuring up a ghoulishly good time with a callout to all ghosts, superheroes, princesses, pop culture fans and candy lovers, both young and young at heart.

They are summoning all restless spirits and revelers stalking the city streets on Halloween night to converge in the heart of the city for a trek packed with tricks, treats and tons of family fun.

Get decked out on your All Hallows Eve best and join the first-ever Downtown Spooky Stroll on Monday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 5 p.m.

"It's a great way to get people out on the streets on a really fun and festive day, and also create a sense of community" among residents and downtown businesses, Rego said.

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The event aims to provide another safe alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, and serves as an opportunity to cultivate "a different perception" of downtown.

"People are always talking about needing more activity downtown. I believe an active space is a safe space, so the more people we can get out there, the more families we can get walking around and becoming more comfortable downtown, the more it will hopefully deter negative activity," Rego said.

And, of course, there's just the simple cuteness factor.

Viva Fall River provides the Downtown Spooky Stroll map, which families can use as a guide to stroll at their own pace.

Follow the curated approximately 1-mile route along South Main Street and beyond to over 30 participating businesses — all within walking distance — each dishing out treats.

Viva Fall River will be providing each child with a bag to collect their candy and a bowl, while supplies last.

Bags will be handed out at Viva Fall River Pop Up as well as at Cherry and Web building, both on South Main Street, by MassHire Youth Connections high school volunteers.

The free night of fun for Fall River residents doesn't end there. The party continues at the final Spooky Stroll stop at Greater Fall River Re-Creation for its annual Halloween bash.

From 5 to 7 p.m., trick or treaters at 45 Rock St. can top off their candy stash, as well as enjoy food, face painting, games and activities.

"I thought it was a good way to keep the Halloween fun rolling from school right on through to these nighttime parties," Rego said.

According to Rego, they've gotten a great response from the business community, some who are opening on their day off or staying open later on Monday to welcome trick-or-treaters.

"I think that's a testament to how people are looking for ways to get involved with the community and present this unified, safe, family friendly" experience, Rego said.

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Rego intends for this to be the first of many Spooky Strolls, and hopes the event becomes a source of downtown pride.

"It's an exciting opportunity for people to walk down North Main and South Main and experience this really good atmosphere that I hope carries through throughout the holiday season" said Rego, noting there are several events already in the works, including a winter accessories drive at the Viva Fall River Pop Up in November.

To view the official Downtown Spooky Stroll Map, go to https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1FGJH336vbdHYf5EPlTifZU1ckDodOWU&ll=41.70046716700838%2C-71.1586837752734&z=15

For more information on the Spooky Stroll visit Viva Fall River at https://www.vivafallriver.com. More details on the Greater Fall River Re-Creation party can be found at https://gfrrec.org/halloween-party.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River plans first Downtown Spooky Stroll on Halloween