Hydroelectric Company’s Halloween “Surprise” Leaves Town in Chaos
In what officials described as “an ambitious community event,” the Riverdale Hydroelectric Authority shut off power to the entire city Friday night to “create an immersive Halloween experience.”
“We wanted families to embrace the darkness together and rediscover the natural thrill of fear,” said company spokesperson Lisa Brennan, moments before widespread panic swept through the town.
Within minutes, streets descended into confusion. Parents lost track of their children, cars collided at intersections, and terrified residents wandered through pitch-black neighborhoods calling each other’s names. “I could hear my kids, but I couldn’t see them,” said local resident Claire Jenkins. “At one point I think I yelled ‘follow my voice!’ but so did everyone else.”
Police reported over a hundred accidents, multiple false break-ins, and “at least a dozen adults crying in bushes. ” Emergency rooms filled with minor injuries and “people who had just fallen emotionally apart.”
“It was honestly kind of beautiful at first,” said one father. “Until my son disappeared and my wife started praying to the porch light.”
Power returned around midnight. By then, the town looked like the aftermath of a small civil war — overturned decorations, melted candles, and children eating candy in random driveways.
When asked for comment after power was restored, Brennan said the company stood by its intentions.
“We wanted to make Halloween unforgettable,” she said. “And based on the response, we definitely succeeded.”
