In her yearly role of passing out candy to costumed kids for the Upper Queen Anne Trick-or-Treat event at her Hill business, Jennifer Hill had no idea traffic and pedestrian safety was an issue during the event.
So when she posted online about the event, and received several responses from worried moms regarding their children's safety, Hilltop Yarn owner called on her fellow Upper Queen Anne Merchants Association
"I was really surprised to hear so many people say," Hill said, "'you have got to do something about the traffic because it's dangerous' and 'we don't come to your even because the traffic's so dangerous'."
Hill wrote UQAMA members and within a day's time, $900 was raised in donations to hire two off-duty police officers to patrol traffic at the Boston and Crocket Street intersections with Queen Anne Avenue.
"Those areas where chosen because people have a hard time crossing there," Hill said, "and because the Queen Anne Farmers Market is going to have a family gathering over there for the Farmers Market Street Food Fair."
Though the issue was new to Hill, she expects the UQAMA will incorporate these safety precautions for future event budgets.
"From my perspective," she said. "If we're going to host an event we have a responsibility to make sure people are safe and that kids are happy, that parents are happy and that neighbors aren't impacted in any sort of negative way."
The Trick-or-Treat event lasts from 3 to 5 p.m. but the officers will be stationed at the intersections from 2 to 6 p.m. Magnolia Village will also host its annual Trick-or-Treat event Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m, where the main streets will be closed off for traffic and pedestrian safety.
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