SALEM, MASS. (WHDH) - Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll is warning visitors to arrive early if they hope to catch the final night of Halloween festivities as thousands are expected to visit the town on its spookiest night of the year.
The mayor’s office said nearly 700,000 people visited Salem ahead of Halloween, making parking a huge issue for visitors who don’t have reservations with parking lots. Spots are usually filled up before 10:30 a.m., especially on busy weekends.
Visitors can expect large crowds in Salem Common, Derby Square and all the city’s restaurants and attractions. City officials announced Monday morning that lots were completely full. Lines in front of the Salem Witch Museum grew long before noon.
People flocked to the streets from across state lines, dressed as “Hocus Pocus”-inspired witches, “Ghostbusters” characters and more.
“It’s definitely something you gotta experience at least once,” said Bill Costakes, who came up from New Jersey. “I know the crowds can be intimidating, and the parking situation can be a bit of a nightmare if you’re not an early bird, but you gotta try it out at least once to say that you did it and make it a fond memory.”
“If everyone’s courteous thinking about how you get here, planning ahead and coming with an attitude to have some fun, be expecting to wait a little longer than you might normally, we’ll have a great Halloween,” Driscoll said.
The Commuter Rail previously added more weekend service between North Station and Salem as well as Salem and Beverly/Newburyport. The city said taking a train or ferry is the best solution as all parking lots, garages and spaces are filling quickly.
Salem’s mayor said she’s grateful for Keolis Commuter Services and the MBTA providing extra service for the busiest time of year and encourages people to check the Commuter Rail schedule before they come to the Witch City.
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