North Buffalo Courier/ Friday, October 31, 2014
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The spirit of Halloween on Hertel
CIRCULATION 8,157
By Dave Ricci COURIER CORRESPONDENT
Hertel Avenue was, to say the least, alive with the spirit of Halloween as the third annual Halloween on Hertel walk took place last weekend. Families with costumed kiddies owned the street and they traveled up and down the Avenue, stopping by participating businesses for treats ranging from candy and suckers to apple cider. “It’s absolutely incredible,” said Justin Brandon, owner of Berth’s Diner, one of the participating businesses. “Watching all of these young families with their kids (walking) up and down the street. Takes you back to Hertel’s heyday.” Brandon’s words were fitting as the amount of foot traffic truly conjured up a by gone time when families would walk, shop and spend the bulk of their weekend’s on Hertel Ave as people not only had family time together in a safe, secure atmosphere they also took advantage of the chance to discover and support local merchants. “Ava and I shop up and down Hertel quite often,” said Meg Marshall, who was with her four-year old daughter, Ava. “So we know the stores and vendors. It’s great. Every time there is something posted (on Hertel) we try to come up.” The types of costumes
Sara Nichter handing out candy at Halloween on Hertel were cute, creative and seemingly endless. From penguins and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-Man to Wolverine, Super Mario Brothers, NASCAR drivers, various kitten outfits and, of course, Batman. Nick Gazzoli, who was with his wife Angela Gazzoli and their children Hudson (Green Lantern) and Haven (Wonder Woman), was decked out in a full Batman costume.
Gazzoli knelt down to one youngster named Liam who was in a Batman outfit and said, “You’re Batman, I’m Bat-dad.” The North Park Theater, located next door to Bertha’s, was in the spirit of the moment as there were three actors in front of the theater dressed in Ghost Busters outfits to help promote the fact the theater was showing the Bill Murray classic as it’s weekend matinee as part of
Halloween on Hertel. Floral Explorations hosted a free mini pumpkin painting event that saw roughly 200 pumpkins decorated. For once, Mother Nature was a friend, and residents took full advantage of the beautiful day as stores, shops and restaurants all up and down Hertel were bustling with activity. “We love the activity on Hertel. It’s a great idea,” said Joe Cardinal, who was
shopping and walking with his wife, Rogan MortonCardinal, and their children Carly (8) and Cam (5). “It’s one of the main reasons that we came,” added Morton-Cardinal, as she added how her family always makes a point of shopping local. From Bertha’s Diner to Kostas, the street was energized with people making the most of this family-oriented event. “We absolutely love it,”
said Cardinal. “We think it’s a great idea and it’s just encouraging to see this amount of activity going on. Not just because it’s a Halloween special. People are here because they like to be here.” While the adults liked the shopping end the kids, well, they were all about the candy. “I like it because I like all the candy,” Carly Cardinal said with a smile.