Here are

two articles about planning for the annual Halloween extravaganza here in Madison. My impression: it might be a spooky dangerous Halloween this year. Somehow Altamont or the Who stampede come to mind. That or a lot of broken places in cheap plastic fencing.

I've seen private security groups fence (chainlink) a tubing resort prior to concert, and staff the entrances. Essentially, that's what the city's doing this year. Police response hasn't been effective in the past -- they subscribe to a more hands-off, light-handed method of policing here, and if/when that doesn't work -- overpower, it seems. This year, private security will help manage the crowd of costumed revelers, staffing the gates.

In years past, I know of hockey fans -- sure middle-aged and curious -- who have eaten on State Steet, or walked around checking out the scene before and after the games. Maybe take some photos. These types of adults presumably won't be there this year, because of the ticketing policy. Or they could pay the $5, but I doubt many will. No loss for the adults, but I wonder if the ticketing policy will actually vamp up the party crowd and help pit crowd against authority and vice versa, without the random passerby's and non-partiers mixed in there.

Also interesting is the vote for County Sheriff. Democrat Dave Mahoney is my pick; his opponent is a public information spokesman for Madison police. Unless Halloween comes off unusually smoothly this year, you almost feel for the opponent, who'll probably still be handling the PR aftermath, explaining actions taken and all. Though, it's not expected to be a close race, so Halloween probably won't be a deciding factor.

Back to topic,
so it is lawful to block off a city street, and require residents and their weekend guests arriving at whatever hour (lots of roadtrippers come in) to present a ticket to get home -- or wait until the party ends? Because free tickets are provided? And you can't "cut through" on State either if you live nearby? Well, I hope it all works out. I've been amazed every year that the worse things turn out, the more appeasing and calls to uphold tradition come from politicians. (ca-ching, ca-ching -- somebody is making a lot of money on liquor that night, even if it is costing the city money overall)

At least, that's how it seems to me. In my Chicago-area high school 20 years ago, Madison and Southern (SIU) were the Halloween party places. Bars in Carbondale now shut down that weekend. Drastic sure. But under control. There's got to be an in-between, you'd think: a way of keeping the party, but getting more police off the high horses and preventing the trouble before it happens. Private security, I fear, may just bring a special slew of troubles for the city -- see the discussion on liability in that second article. Who knows? Maybe the kids will be more passive this year, and won't come to town intent on resisting authority. But on Halloween night, of course anything goes. Ooh, scary scary!