CONWAY, SC — After a packed weekend that left downtown Conway overflowing with early Halloween visitors, the Conway Police Department (CPD) is asking residents to take a breath, regroup, and prepare for an even busier Thursday.
In a message that blended humor with clear public‑safety reminders, the department said the weekend turnout was only “the warm‑up,” noting that at one point Saturday “every person we’ve ever met was downtown at the exact same time.” Officers said the crowds, traffic, and family activities created a lively atmosphere but also highlighted several safety concerns they want addressed before the next wave of visitors arrives.
Drivers: Put the Phone Down
CPD said one of the biggest issues they observed was distracted driving. With group chats buzzing, location pins flying, and families trying to reconnect in the crowd, officers urged drivers to ignore their phones until they’re safely parked.
“The group chat will survive without you for seven minutes,” the department wrote, adding that officers drive in the same traffic and understand the temptation.
Pedestrians: Crosswalks Are Not Optional
The department also addressed risky pedestrian behavior, saying Main Street “is not Frogger” and reminding people to use crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and avoid stepping into traffic with “the confidence of someone who has an invisible force field.”
Parents were urged to keep a close eye on children, noting how quickly kids can wander off in busy areas. CPD jokingly referenced “Brayden,” the hypothetical child who becomes independently mobile after consuming funnel cake and acquiring a light‑up sword.
Leave the Decorations Alone
With Conway’s Halloween season already underway, officers said volunteers spent significant time installing downtown decorations and some visitors spent significant time climbing, pulling, or attempting to relocate them.
“There are cameras. Lots of them. And they work,” Conway Police Department (CPD) wrote, adding that anyone who damages city property may be caught on video. The department said they’d prefer not to have to use that footage, but noted that “the internet does love content.”
Thursday Traffic: Downtown Is Not a Shortcut
Earlier Monday, CPD released road‑closure and traffic details for Thursday’s events. In their follow‑up message, they emphasized that downtown Conway will not be a quick route for anyone trying to cut through the city.
“If your Thursday plans include, ‘I’ll just cut through downtown real quick,’ we’d like to go ahead and request you cancel,” the department said. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and expect delays.
“Fun Police,” Not the Other Kind
CPD closed by saying they want Thursday to be enjoyable for everyone — and that avoiding preventable incidents will help officers stay focused on the “fun police” role rather than enforcement.
“Pay attention. Be patient. Put the phone down. Use the crosswalk. Watch ya kids. Leave the decorations alone,” the department wrote. “Let us do the fun police part. Nobody wants us to have to do the other one.”
The department ended with a reminder that they’ll “see y’all Thursday – literally,” thanks to the city’s camera system.
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