Families felt safe, trick-or-treating at “Halloween at the Market”

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – With surging violence in the city, a safe space to trick-or-treat was the goal for the Public Market. “Halloween at the Market” was the place to be Sunday night. Thousands of people dressed up in their costumes to have some fun and hunt for treats in a safe environment.

The public market is always busy, but over the weekend, it was full of goons and goblins in search of something sweet. We spoke to some parents who told us they felt safer going to a big event, rather than knocking on doors especially during Halloween.

“It does feel uneasy to be around walking, and you never know what can happen, being able to stay away from cars and violence that’s going on in our community it’s definitely better,” Rochester parent, Zulei Kalepron said.  

Parents say a night of fright is no delight. Some said having a controlled type of trick-or-treating this year was better than going door to door.

“It definitely feels a lot safer, and a lot better, tomorrow is going to be hectic, with school, so this was the best way to do Halloween,” Kalepron added.

It was a witches brew full of ghosts and other monsters at the public market for its annual event.

Everyone came dressed in a costume. Kids were able to make a big loop snagging candy, there was a horse and carriage ride. The Public Market director, Jim Farr said, “it’s a good feeling, knowing people feel safe attending market events.”

“It’s important for kids and families to have a safe space to come out and be together, and from the crowd here, you can tell 99% of the people are good people and they just want to have some fun.”

The kids were having a “howling” good time. Here are some of the things we heard from kids as they walked by with bags of sweet stuff.  

“I’m going to go get some candy,” one little girl in a witch costume said.

“I also got this, some Skittles. I got some Sour Patch Kids, it’s my favorite,” a little boy in a monster costume said.