Uptown merchants host Safe ‘n’ Sane Halloween Thursday
The people of Susanville owe the Uptown merchants a big thank you for putting on another spectacular Safe ‘n’ Sane Halloween event for young and old alike from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
Almost every merchant on Main Street and some on the side streets — something like 20 or 30 businesses — participate. And others — Les Schwab, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, State Farm Insurance, the Teen and Adult Challenge and even Caltrans — set up booths so they can participate in the community event as well.
Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic to provide a course for the famous Coffin Races. Teams participating so far include the defending champion LCSO, Diamond Mountain Casino and the Lassen Community College Gunsmithing program. It’s great fun for racers and fans alike and an opportunity to earn some mighty impressive bragging rights that last all year long. The event also features a costume contest on Pancera Plaza and dance performances by the talented youngsters from JandJ Performing Arts and the House of Dance. Melanie Westbrook has created a “haunted room” in her office at Sierra Desert Properties and many merchants such as U.S. Bank have decorated their windows for Halloween.
No one seems to know for sure how long the Uptown merchants have been putting on some form of this event. Estimates range from at least 20 years, to maybe 30 years and one merchant said the tradition could reach as far back as 100 years. Thank you Uptown merchants for caring about our little ones and ensuring they have a happy and safe Halloween they will never forget.
