Banner too big? Too bright? Town Hall partnership draws some criticism.

 If you're looking for a costume for a spring costume party, you'll be able to buy it right here in Lancaster;  the town's seven-month contract with Spirit Halloween started today and they wasted no time in raising their banner over the "Old Town Hall" building.

In a milestone for the the town that has clearly caught a few neighbors off-guard, we'll host "Spirit Halloween", a pop-up costume seller, through the end of November.  They wasted no time in raising their banner over the "Old Town Hall" building this morning.

One of the town hall staff pointed out that "the lower level is pretty scary these days, so it's a fitting theme."

The town hall building has been mostly empty since the Prescott Building next door was renovated.  The town offices relocated, and the old building is mostly used for storage and voting.

According to the Select Board, voting will still take place in the main level of the building as it did in years past.   Town Counsel confirmed that there's no law (yet) that precludes siting a polling place within a pop-up costume outlet.   As she said at last Monday's Select Board meeting, "I think it's safe to say it's something the founding fathers didn't anticipate.   But it's not illegal."

The revenue from the lease will be used for improvements on the building.

(This didn't actually happen: happy "April Fool's Day.")