Halloween is quickly approaching. By now, you should have your costume picked out and your party planned. Whether you’re romping around Franklin Street as Nicki Minaj or as a Greek goddess, it’s important to know the rules of Chapel Hill’s Homegrown Halloween. Here is some information to make sure that you have the best Halloween yet!
What is Homegrown Halloween?
Homegrown Halloween was started by the Town of Chapel Hill and the University in 2008. It was implemented to reduce large crowd sizes and the related risks and safety concerns. According to the Town of Chapel Hill’s website, in 2004 the crowd reached an astonishing 80,000 people and event management costs were $221,490. Last year, the crowd size was significantly smaller at 35,000.
What are the rules?
Chapel Hill and public safety officials have a plan to deal with safety issues. By following these rules, you will make their jobs easier and your Halloween more enjoyable:
- Franklin Street and other surrounding streets will be closed to vehicles at 9 p.m. and will be reopened at 11:30 p.m.
- Downtown residential streets will be closed, except to residents and their guests.
- Vehicles that are illegally parked will be ticketed and towed.
- Vehicles that are parked on closed streets will be towed at 6 p.m.
- Downtown bars will charge a minimum $5 cover.
- Downtown bars will close their doors at 1 a.m. to new patrons.
- Downtown convenience stores will stop selling alcohol at 1 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, paint, animals, coolers and other items are prohibited in closed areas.
- Items which can be used as weapons or could be mistaken as weapons will be confiscated.
So, what does this mean for me?
It is important to be aware of this initiative and the effects on your Halloween. Thus, make sure your car is removed from downtown by 6 p.m. If you’re 21 and you plan on going downtown, make sure you bring cash to pay cover at bars. If you’re at a bar at 12:55 a.m., don’t plan on going to another one; the bars will close their doors at 1 a.m. to new patrons.
If your costume has a plastic weapon or anything that could be mistaken for a weapon, leave it at home–no plastic swords, baseball bats, tomahawks, light sabers (you get the picture). If you’re walking through a closed area to get to a party, you can’t carry a cooler or any alcoholic beverages. If you must BYOB, take it before the areas are closed.
Franklin Street is going to be packed, so if you decide to make an appearance stay close to your friends. Be responsible and listen to Chapel Hill police and public safety officials. The most important thing about Halloween is to have fun and be safe! For more information, visit http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=512.
Happy Halloween, Collegiates!
Sources:
Franklin Street Halloween (photo): Nathan Clendenin CBS, http://www.wral.com/news/local/image/1990957/?ref_id=3673018
Jack-o-lantern (photo): Town of Chapel Hill, http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=402
Light Saber (photo): Halloween Adventure Shop, http://shop.halloweenadventure.com/star-wars-jedi-master-green-lightsaber-one-size-green-p5357.aspx