Halloween in downtown Durango bustled with youngsters looking to get a fix of sweets, and ended with adults overtaking Main Avenue.
The Business Improvement District was back to hosting its annual Downtown Durango Children’s Halloween, after a year off because of COVID-19.
Also returning this Halloween was the Zombie March, where bar patrons take to the streets at midnight on Halloween.
About 70 different merchants participated in the trick-or-treat event in downtown Durango, said BID Executive Director Tim Walsworth. He said the number of participating businesses is usually a little higher, but some were closed because Halloween fell on a Sunday.
The event is held early to accommodate younger children and families, but Walsworth said all are welcome.
“We advertise it for kids 10 and under, in costume, with an adult. But no one gets turned away, anyone can come down and join in the fun,” Walsworth said.
He estimates about 1,000 people show up each year for the children’s trick-or-treat event, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. While it’s hard to say how many little ones and their parents were downtown Sunday evening, it’s safe to say the sidewalks were packed.
Four of Durango’s first-responder organizations participated in handing out candy: Durango Police Department, Durango Fire Protection District, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol.
Walsworth said he isn’t sure exactly how long the downtown trick or treating has been going on, but thinks it’s been about 15 years.
The event was started by Robert Stapleton, who used to run a record store downtown called Southwest Sounds.
“Nine Halloween’s ago BID offered to help him with the event and take it on, events are right up our alley,” Walsworth said.
Long after the kids cleared out of downtown, the annual Zombie March made its return.
“I’d say maybe 100 people total were participating, so smaller than it’s been in years past,” said Durango Police Department Cmdr. Ray Shupe.
Shupe said Zombie marchers paraded in the street for about a half hour before dispersing on their own.
njohnson@durangoherald.com
