Young treaters take to the streets in the Twin Cities

By Elizabeth Dobbins

Reprinted from the Sentinel and Enterprise

edobbins @sentinelandenterprise.com

The streets of downtown Fitchburg and Leominster were each filled with monsters and superheroes during the cities’ annual Halloween events on Saturday. “This is our downtown, and we want people to come down and really enjoy it,” said Tricia Pistone, project director of ReImagine North of Main, of the Fitchburg event. “Not just today but allyear long.” Children, parents and dogs wore costumes to trick or treat at local businessesin the downtowns

of both cities. For some, like Fran Henderson, manager of Coldwell Banker in Leominster, passing out treats to children is a yearly tradition.

“It’s fun. We do it every year,” she said. “I thinkit’s a great way to give back to the community.”

For others, including Fitchburg resident John Chevrette, venturing into the downtown of his city is a rarity.

“I just learned we have two Chinese businesses right next to each other, so I get to learn about the businesses as well,” he said.

“Yeah, there’s a lot of different things I didn’t know,” added his wife, Tanya Chevrette. “I didn’t knowthere was a tattoo parlor.”

The Chevrettes came with their three children, 12-year-old Max, 2-yearold Wednesday, and Frankie, who was dressed as Supergirl and celebrating her fourth birthday. Her favorite part of the day: “getting lollipops.”

Audrey Chow was standing outside her business, Curious Escape Rooms, which opened this summer in Fitchburg.

“(Escape rooms are) more of an adult thing but these kids were coming with parents and a few people have already askedfor our cards,” she said.

Halfway through the Fitchburg event, about 1,200 people had stopped by Main Street to trick or treat, get balloon animals and participate in Halloween activities.

The event was hosted by New Vue Communities, the city of Fitchburg, ReImagine North of Main and Fitchburg Pride.

In Leominster, children were also trick-ortreating with parents at downtown businesses following the annual Halloween parade.

The event brought Fitchburg residents Nick and Lori DiPrima and their two children todowntown Leominster.

“We come to a lot of the festivals,” Lori DiPrimasaid. “We like Halloween. We like all the holidays, especially the autumn,” Nick DiPrima said. “Autumn in New England is the best time of year.”

Donna LaPointe, branch service specialist, was passing out candy in front of Enterprise Bank in downtown Leominster. She said the afternoon was a family-friendly event.

“It’s gone wonderfully,” she said. “It was nice to see families getting together.”

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SENTINEL ENTERPRISE PHOTOS / ASHLEY GREEN