This is one of my favorite posts from a few years back. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Each Halloween, hundreds of ghosts and goblins, witches and princesses head over to Herning Ave in Cranford New Jersey to celebrate Halloween and take part in what has become a local tradition. But what exactly is Herning Ave Halloween?
What is Herning Ave Halloween?
Herning Ave resident PJ Keim is not really sure when or how this amazing “Halloween on Herning” adventure started, but he is thrilled to be a part of what has become a community event in Cranford. When PJ and his family bought their house in 1995, their Realtor® told them to get ready for Halloween. “Herning Ave is a “6 bag street”. Well, that turned out to be an understatement as the family went through more than 10 bags that first year, and the volume has continued to grow each year since!
Why did Herning Ave Halloween take off? PJ believes Herning Ave became the epicenter of all things Halloween because of convenience and safety. Herning is a straight street with no intersections from Dunham (into Brookdale) all the way to Riverside. It has to be at least a 1/2 mile long. There are side streets that cut off in one direction and the bike path intersects it, so getting there is easy and convenient.
Word spread throughout the town that Herning Ave was a safe and fun area for Trick or Treating, and the residents of the street have truly embraced the event. As more people came they told more people about it and it has grown to an amazing number of trick or treaters.
Growing… and growing…
A few years ago, it was suggested by one of the neighbors, Marty Sokoloff, that the entire street be blocked off on Halloween to further ensure the safety of the children. Everyone agreed that this was a great idea, and this action has caused the event to grow even larger. Halloween on Herning is now more than a day of trick or treating- it has become a street festival. The estimated number of kids that took part in the event last year was between 1500 – 2000, and even more are expected this year!
One of the great things that has happened is that in typical Cranford NJ fashion, the community has stepped up to help. The residents of the street get countless numbers of candy donations. Last year Wanda Monohan organized the kids to give out the candy to all of the homes on the block before Halloween so that the residents were not over burdened. This year, Orange Ave School sent home a letter to ask for donations of candy for the Herning Ave residents who so graciously embrace this wonderful community event.
With the heavy impact that Hurricane Irene brought to the neighborhood, there is the feeling in the air that this year’s event will be even more special than in years past. John and Keenan’s band will be playing and PJ will set up his DJ equipment to rock out the neighborhood. Kids in costumes will run the street, collecting their loot and enjoying the day. Parents and neighbors will socialize and enjoy what has become one of the most special days of the year! It should be another great “Herning Ave Halloween”.
PJ Keim’s Video from 2010 http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1693934589225
Site by Ha Media
Nothing less would be expected from as wonderful a community as Cranford! Awesome!
Thanks so much for posting! Cranford IS a wonderful community!
“Thank You” Herning Avenue Residents for opening your hearts on Halloween each year and making it a fun/safe place for all of our Cranford children!
Thanks for your comment, Eileen. It is such a special tradition, just one of many amazing things about our community!