Athens residents and Ohio University students proposed making Halloween more of a money-generating community festival at the first-ever Conversations with Council last night.
Bill Hayes of the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee said he would like to work with other groups around the city and at OU to get more entertainment and activities all weekend long. He stressed that there are many potential ways to make money from the weekend that the city has yet to explore.
The Clean and Safe Halloween Committee is a non-profit organization of Athens residents who are trying to promote a safer event and are in charge of the bands that perform on Court Street Saturday night.
Last year's Halloween cost the city $60,000 , said Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward.
As a community we're really missing the boat when it comes to that
Hayes said, referring to potential profit-generating events.
While many city employees see Halloween as their Christmas bonus it would be nice to see the event pay for itself, Wiehl said.
Some fundraisers and events discussed at Conversations with Council included adding vendors, expanding the event to include Friday and daytime Saturday, bringing in more performers, adding a carnival atmosphere and holding tours of the Ridges.
Facilitated by John Schmieding, executive director of Athens Area Mediation Service, the main point of the conversation about Halloween was to establish a dialogue among city officials, citizens and students.
Jonathan Holmberg of the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee said he thought event has improved greatly since he was a student at Ohio University in the 1970s.
We just try to make it a positive atmosphere and promote safety (Uptown) Holmberg said.
Also discussed at the meeting were ideas for other activities during Halloween weekend that might deter drinking.
I think alternative activities for students is an excellent idea
said Carol Patterson, D-at large.
Debbie Phillips, D-4th Ward, said it is important to consider Halloween a three day event rather than one Saturday night.
Safety issues were another issue brought up by people in attendance. Once the party on Court Street slows down, the parties in the neighborhoods grow, Patterson said.
People discussed ideas on how to keep the police force strong into the early morning hours.
We should get more volunteers on the safety team
said Amy Flowers, D-at large.
Another idea was to have multiple police forces. One force would not begin work until long after the Court Street festivities ended.
Members of the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee stressed they would like to get input from citizens and students for improvement of the Halloween celebration.
Lets make it a win-win-win for Athens all around
said Joe Radwany of the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee.
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