Merchants in the Village of Arroyo Grande are banding together in favor of the annual Halloween in the Village event.
After learning that it may not happen this year, they say they're doing the legwork needed to make sure it continues.
"I decided to get into contact with some of the Village merchants here to see what we can do to get the ball rolling to make sure this will happen this year," said Ashely Daoust, Arroyo Grande Village merchant.
In years past, the event has been hosted by the Village Improvement Association. According to Arroyo Grande City Manager Jim Bergman, a formal application was never submitted to the city this year.
As a result, the city decided not to hold the event as they could not provide the proper safety and security measures due to lack of an official sponsor.
However, after listening to their constituents, the city is willing to consider the event as merchants are willing to step up as a sponsor.
Hello Village owner Krista Bandy said she was shocked to hear the event she grew up attending was no longer scheduled, and that prompted her to take action.
"What I've done is taken it upon myself and a couple other business owners... we are filling out the permit to the city," Bandy said. "I'll have the insurance for the event and then we have to go October 8th to the city council."
Bergman says he anticipates a formal application will be submitted shortly.
"What I am feeling is going to happen is we are going to get an application very soon and it is going to allow us to go back to the council on October 8th and we can talk about everyone being on the team and having another wonderful Halloween event," Bergman said.
The merchants we spoke with said they would like community members to show their support for Halloween in the Village by attending the city council meeting next month.
The City of Arroyo Grande is scheduled to hold a separate Halloween carnival on Saturday October 26 at Elm Street Park from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
