Punta Gorda Halloween-- a Spooky Setting in the Historic District

Come twilight, the Victoria-era streets of  Punta Gorda's historic area with it's looming gothic mansions and trees dangling in Spanish moss already resemble the setting for a spooky movie.  But on All Hallow's Eve or as we refer it today Halloween, the residents of the historic district go all out to embellish the setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

By early evening Sunday night, throngs of visiting ghosts, goblins, witches, and icons of popular culture will flood the area from Shreve to Cross, and Olympia to Retta Esplanade,  like a huge river of freaky characters.   They will be welcomed by costumed residents many in houses with themes to suit the night.  One year, for instance, a house was fully redone into the Adams residence with Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch and even the Thing -- a creepy hand that thrust itself from a box as you passed by.

This is the night to be in downtown Punta Gorda even if just to watch the spectacle.  Many Punta Gordans from outside the immediate historic area get involved with local groups, handing out candy and other goodies.

The police will be there to safeguard, and the community services section will have a tent set up along West Retta esplanade in front of Gilchrist Park should attendees need assistance.  Punta Gorda Fire officials will also be patrolling the event and will have apparatus and personnel prepared to provide medical attention should the need arise . The Police Department is also asking that thru- traffic consider alternative routes due to the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.