Annual Crystal Beach Halloween Walk welcomes 1,500 costumed kids
October 27, 2025 at 8:18 PM
More than 1,500 children in costume packed Crystal Beach Saturday afternoon for its sixth annual Halloween Walk, turning the lakeside community into a festive parade of families and candy seekers.
The event, organized by Tara Martin and Charlotte Hawkswell, brought together more than 40 local businesses and groups. It has grown from a small COVID-era idea into one of the region’s largest fall gatherings, keeping the beach town lively long after summer.
Families crowd near the Grove as children collect tickets for the Halloween Walk costume contest, part of the afternoon-long celebration Crystal Beach. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioFamilies from across the Niagara region took part in the trick-or-treat route, with businesses along Erie and Derby roads handing out candy and costume contest tickets. Participants returned to the Grove for live music, a food truck, a beer tent and cash prizes for best costumes.
Martin told Fort Erie Radio on Saturday the community response has made the Halloween Walk a fall fixture of Crystal Beach.
“We’ve got so much going on that we want to encourage people to enjoy it and come and visit all the time,” she said. “The beach is awesome, but the community is better.”
Families fill Erie Street in Crystal Beach for the sixth annual Halloween Walk. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioThe Halloween Walk has expanded from just 10 participating businesses in its first year to more than 40 this fall.
Colin Morgan, who co-owns Mellow Yellow Sips on Erie Road with his wife Michelle, said taking part in the event for the first time since opening in June was a chance to give back to the community.
The sixth annual Halloween Walk drew more than 1,500 children trick-or-treating at over 40 local businesses. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio“We love supporting the locals around here, other local businesses, kids. It’s a way to give back to the community,” said Morgan.
The Halloween Walk highlights how local businesses are working together to create offseason events that keep visitors coming after summer.
A man from Zeigler Boutique tosses candy from the second-floor window as costumed children gather outside. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio“We’ve literally seen hundreds and hundreds of kids out today. So many smiles, so many laughs,” said Phil Smith, owner of South Coast Cookhouse and Hotel Philco. “It’s important to show people that Crystal Beach is a vibrant community year-round.”
Organizers plan to bring the Halloween Walk back next October, keeping it on the Saturday before Halloween to give families and businesses another reason to gather in Crystal Beach.
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About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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