By Kim McDarison

Costume-clad treat seekers took to the streets Tuesday despite a trick from Mother Nature who provided a smattering of holiday snow.

Homeowners along Fremont Street, several of whom said that their neighborhood on Halloween night is traditionally a busy spot for trick-or-treaters, noted that while they saw a reduction in Halloween traffic, there was a steady flow of area children eager to receive candy.

Looking to preserve the integrity of the camera, this reporter asked several residents along Fremont Street and a family on North Street if she could share space on their porches and visit with the community members who came to their doorstep to receive candy. Several graciously accommodated the request.

Codi Morton, a Fremont Street resident who has lived for the past five years in the 1856-built home known locally as the “Starin Mansion,” said she recalled her busiest Halloween was in 2018 when she received some 300 holiday visitors.

Even with the snow, she was prepared, she said, offering both candy and a gently used children’s book to those who graced her doorway.

Among youngsters who visited the mansion was 3-month-old Evelyn Watson, who arrived with her mother, Jennifer, appropriately bundled to look like a bat.

Further along Fremont Street, at the home of Diane Markham, families arrived unhindered by the snow.

Markham said she has lived in her Fremont Street home for 33 years and has traditionally handed out candy to between 300 and 400 visitors. She admitted traffic was lighter than usual. Wrapped in a blanket, she waited outside and welcomed each goblin while handing out treats.

Also a resident of Fremont Street, Margaret Brown said she has lived in her home for 11 years. She guessed that in past years her family likely supplied candy to between 200 and 400 visitors. She welcomed each visitor, reminding them to make a selection of two pieces of candy from her large, inviting bowl.

Marc Mulloy, waited for visitors on an elaborately decorated porch. He said his wife, whom he credited with placing the decorations, has lived in the Fremont Street home for 43 years.

Describing Fremont Street on Halloween night, he said, “It’s usually packed.” He believed the snow was contributing to a bit of slowed traffic.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students Sage Fjalstad and Starr Camacho enjoyed each other’s company as they handed out candy. As renters, they said, this was their first Halloween on Fremont Street.

Snow did not seem to be a deterrent, the students said, as they dispensed candy to a steady march of costumed children. 

On North Street, the Thompson family, Clay and Aubrey, and their children, Opal 10, and Onyx 16, waited for trick-or-treaters. An animatronic witch beckoned young goblins to their home.

At each stop, trick-or-treaters, albeit often speckled with snow, arrived and happily received their treats.

By 6 p.m., Whitewater Common Council member Lisa Dawsey-Smith, who also is a resident of Fremont Street, said some 275 visitors had arrived at her door.

Trick-or-treating in Whitewater was held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Photos from the evening’s festivities follow.