Historic Punta Gorda Residential Streets to Morph into Ghostly Lanes for Halloween

Much of the history of Punta Gorda is interwined with ghosts.  There is Mary who is said to roam the hallways of the old "Sandlin" house, the one with the widow's walk on Retta.  And some have said to have witnessed old Perry McAdow being pushed in a wheelchair near the spot (now off Hurricane Charley's parking lot) where his ashes were supposedly strewn over 100 years ago. 

This Saturday night the historic streets of our town will metamorphize once again into a lanes of ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, superheros  and other grim creatures "guising" (the traditional term) for goodies as  Punta Gorda celebrates All Hallows Eve.  The downtown tradition which has its roots in Halloween's past when Governor Gilchrist who lived on Retta Esplanade funded a Halloween treat of free ice cream for the children of Punta Gorda.  To continue the tradition ad infinitum, Gilchrist, a Mason, bestowed a perpetual gift of ice cream on costumed kids through the Masons who to this day give out  free ice cream at Gilchrist Park on Halloween.    Along with Masons, the Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda provides glow lights (on Olympia) to help the trick-or treaters spirit through the twilighted  lanes of the Victorian-era downtown area of the city, and local residents bestoy treats of candy to the throng. 

Punta Gorda's historic district with it's looming gothic houses and window walks and trees dangling in Spanish moss sets just the right stage for the spook fest.    And the residents of the historic district embellish this setting by draping their homes in gossamery garland and cobwebs, decorating windows with eerie lighting, hanging animated witches, ghosts and other goblins from porch fronts and doorways, adding ghostly music and other chilling effects and blood curdling sounds to create a Disneyesque haunted neighborhood attracting costumed visitors from all around in search of treats in the Halloween atmosphere.

By early evening  throngs of visiting ghosts, goblins, witches, and icons of popular culture will flood the area from Shreve to Cross, and Olympia to Retta Esplanade, forming a huge river of freaky characters. They will be welcomed by costumed residents many in houses with themes to suit the night.  Residents of the downtown and other Punta Gordans pass out treats to lanes of Trick or Treaters.

This is the night to be in downtown Punta Gorda -- even if not in costume -- if for no other reason to be bewitched by the adorable dressed-up youngsters of our town.

IF YOU GO:  The historic residential area is roughly the streets between Retta Esplanade on the North, Olympia on the South, Goldstein/Harvey on the East and Berry on the West.   The Methodist Church parking lot is usually available if you go early enough (on McGregor near Olympia).  Kiwanis Glow Lights are given out in fron of the parking lot on Marion Ave.  This is a neighborhood event and dependent upon the goodwill of the residents.  Please respect their property.  Keep in mind not all residents are able to participate.  Little ones usually start arriving around 5.. older ghosts arrive later nearer to the bewitching hour.  

Here is the police notice on the event:

This year, as in years past, it is critical that the public take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the thousands of residents who visit the Historic District on this night each year. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., a significant contingent of Punta Gorda Police and Fire personnel will be on hand for the event.

On Halloween night (Friday, October 31st), all members of the public will be required to observe a speed limit of 15 miles per hour within the confines of the Historic District festivities. This speed limit will be strictly enforced. Generally, this area includes the area from Shreve Street to Cross Street (US 41 Southbound), and Olympia Avenue to Retta Esplanade. Punta Gorda Police will have a heavy uniformed police presence in this area with the availability of marked police patrols, an officer on a T3 Personal Mobility Vehicle, as well as foot patrols, police bicycles, and golf cart patrols. The Community Services Section will have a tent set up along West Retta Esplanade, in front of Gilchrist Park, should attendees need police 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 on Harvey Street across from the City Hall annex. A number of police volunteers will also be manning intersections for traffic control to assist pedestrians in crossing streets safely. Motorists should be particularly alert for children veering from sidewalks into traffic, particularly since many children are wearing dark-colored clothing. The Police Department is also asking that thru-traffic consider alternative routes due to the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.