In recent years, city officials have tried to curtail Halloween into a smaller and safer celebration. Changes have included restricting parking and traffic, making it more difficult for large groups to travel to the celebration. There will be no parking on Franklin Street starting a 3:30 p.m.
Officials are urging people to walk, bike or be dropped off on Franklin Street.
The Halloween bash is billed as family-friendly, and alcohol is banned on the street. But area bars will be open, and alcohol-related problems are routine.
In advance of Saturday, police have been meeting with local bar owners to provide a refresher on spotting fake IDs in order to curb underage drinking. Officers are also warning people about the dangers of consuming too much alcohol.
Last year, officers reported 79 alcohol-related incidents during the celebration. Twenty-nine people were transported to local hospitals for alcohol-related problems.
Franklin Street will be blocked off at 8:30 p.m. and will reopen at 11 p.m., when festivities end.
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