The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Downtown hosts ‘Creepy Crawl’
Events precede Warner Theatre’s screening of ‘Hocus Pocus’ Friday at 8 p.m
TORRINGTON — While having a chat over lunch, Lisa Soliani, Karen Rossi, and Karen O’Donnell decided to brew up some scary fun for Friday the 13th. With that spirit in mind, they conjured up an activity that allows both community and downtown businesses involvement.
The “Creepy Crawl” experience was created in conjunction with the Warner Theatre, which is showing the classic Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus” at 8 p.m.
Soliani asked, “How many opportunities have you had to do something fun on “Friday the 13th?”
Karen O’Donnell, owner of Remember When, an official “Speak Easy” within walking distance of the Warner Theatre that offers homemade dinners, cocktails, and desserts, said, “We want to start hosting more fun events… downtown merchants need to come together like this more often; hopefully resulting in more foot traffic and creating a vibrant scene in Torrington.”
All three were surprised by the number of merchants who wanted to participate. Sometimes these grassroots efforts can be a challenge to get off the ground. “We have discovered a renewed sense
of enthusiasm among our merchants even at a time when retail businesses are being challenged,” they said.
When asked how these challenges can be overcome, O’Donnell said, “Innovation and a keen understanding of your business environment. You must be able to adapt and hopefully build a reliable book of business to support you through your trials and tribulations.
“When you’re running a small business, sleep comes at a high premium,” she said. “We just want to continue the successes we’ve seen downtown and let other entities considering making a move here, know that we are one warm welcoming community. Our Creepy Crawl is just one of many activities to come that we hope will help illuminate the thrifty atmosphere and the
course for revitalization in downtown Torrington.”
Participating merchants will have a flyer placed in their place of business denoting them as a Creepy Crawl participating supporter. Creepy Crawl will include a flash mob in addition to participating merchants offering special promotions and discounts.
Lynn Gelormino, manager of the Warner Theatre, understands the importance of bringing more business downtown and how the arts play a critical role in that process.
“Our arts groups are so important to the formation of our downtown,” she said. “The Warner continues to produce quality entertainment for the region and leads the charge in sustaining the name brand of Torrington. The scheduling of ‘Hocus Pocus’ has amassed the most hits on social media to date. We invite patrons who plan to attend the screening of this classic Halloween film to come downtown early to enjoy a fun evening and support the burgeoning spirit of community and collaboration in our city.”
Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Main Street.
Supporters include Act Natural Health & Wellness Center, Bender’s, Balance Within You, DNA, Elevator Service, Inc., Hair Works, Hatfield Jewelers, Heaven Scent’s Floral Shop, In Sheep’s Clothing, Kelly’s Krystals, Michael’s Jewelers, Nutmeg Dance Shop, Shawn’s Mini Market, The Honey Bee Florist, Bachi’s, Backstage, Cafe 38, First Act Bakery, Four Corners Restaurant, Good Company Coffee House, Hanq’s, O’Connor’s Public House, Remember When, Sasso’s, Sawyer’s Café, 5 Points Gallery, CAFTA, Joseph’s House, KidsPlay Children’s Museum, Pursue the Clues, The Art’s Desire, The Performance Hub, Torrington Historical Society, Torrington Library, WAPJ and the Warner Theatre.