Final answer:
On Maple Street, the first strange occurrence is a power outage, which can often be a precursor to further odd and mysterious events in literary or cinematic narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first strange thing that happens on Maple Street is the power outage. Usually, a power outage could be attributed to a variety of mundane causes, such as electrical failures or scheduled maintenance. However, when combined with odd circumstances or unexpected events, it can take on a more sinister or mysterious character, much like in stories where a sudden and unexplained power outage marks the beginning of an unusual or suspenseful event.