Team “Pumpkin Prowlers” poses for a picture inside The Purple Ostrich last year. Photo supplied

In a few weeks you’ll see dozens of costumed teams exploring historic sites and bounding into businesses all while helping boost a local economy that has seen one of its most challenging winters. The third annual Halfway to Halloween Bar & Business Crawl is set for April 25 and the hundreds of local residents and visitors who participate will have about 30 small businesses in the 10591 area as their game board.  

It’s a simple and fun concept geared for adults and older children: Get a team together, pick a costume theme and get ready to solve puzzles, test your memory and complete physical challenges as you stop at anchor locations and uncover secret ones. The event ends at 6 p.m. with an awards ceremony and costume party. 

My name is Sarah Haase and I own The Tapp on North Broadway in Tarrytown. Three years ago, I faced an overstock challenge: How do I make money from a keg of pumpkin beer in the spring? With a core group of regular patrons itching for something fun to do after a long winter and some creative help from Rebecca DePerno this rapidly growing, much-loved event was born. It’s now a way for residents and businesses to get that Halloween feeling months before we become a fall-favorite tourist destination. 

Tommy Mineo, owner of The Purple Ostrich in Tarrytown, says both the sales and foot traffic help his two-year-old business when needed the most. 

“Halfway to Halloween is the perfect event to help a business like mine which has to stay afloat during our very long January through August off season. Most of my business comes between September through December, so when this event brings in both locals and visitors during April, and brings in holiday-like sales, it’s a big relief,” he said. 

A team from last year’s Halfway to Halloween event takes a picture in front of the iconic Welcome to Sleepy Hollow sign. Photo supplied

This year we hope to have even more local residents take part in the event. It’s a great way to explore the shops and restaurants and to meet neighbors and visitors alike. 

Tarrytown resident Casey Jacobs participated the last two years. This year she’ll be behind the scenes volunteering along with many others who help make the event run smoothly. 

“It’s a great way for the community to come together for such a fun event. Getting to explore businesses I may not have otherwise been to, dressing up in costumes and having more than one Halloween,” she said. “It’s definitely some friendly competition. The games are fun; the prizes are great. We also get to meet neighbors and a lot of cool people from out of town.” 

Tarrytown House Estate has joined in the fun and is offering a treat in the form of discounted rooms for those spending a night or two. We’ve added a few more activities to round out the main event. On Wednesday we’ll kick things off at The Tapp with an exclusive unveiling of Industrial Arts Brewing’s latest creation: Screwdriver. Thursday DeCicco & Sons in Sleepy Hollow will serve up some pumpkin pizza and on Friday we’ll have mystics ready to read palms and tarot cards. Sleepy Hollow Cinema is showing “Hell House” then hosting a Q&A with director Joe Bandelli on Friday, too. 

“I’ve heard so many compliments about this event helping to sustain the unique character of Tarrytown,” Mineo said. “Locals seem to have a certain pride in the amount of local events we have around here, and now Halfway to Halloween has jumped near the top of that list. Events like this foster a much-needed sense of belonging to a community and helps create lasting memories.” 

The Tapp on North Broadway was last year’s starting point for Halfway to Halloween. Photo supplied

You can start your memory making by registering for the event at halfwaytohalloween10591.com. 

What: Halfway to Halloween
When: Saturday, April 25
Where: Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow
Register: halfwaytohalloween10591.com
More info/volunteer: halfwaytohalloweenttsh@gmail.com  

 

Source link