Despite cold temperatures and freezing rain, the Athens Halloween Block Party Saturday night went on without a hitch.
“It was just a crazy night filled with interesting costumes, great music and overall great times,” said Kyle Rutherford, a freshman studying journalism who attended the street party.
The block party started at 6:30 p.m., with rock band Dune opening the night on the North Court Stage. The evening’s early acts set the tone for the block party, building up to the night’s more well known performers. The early performers included Acer Negundo, PJ and the Whistlers, Mind Fish, Mike Perkins and Hellnaw. Despite a rain delay before the second acts performed, the festivities started smoothly.
First Street Heat took to the South Stage around 10:30 p.m. and transformed its end of Court Street as the band played its last show before going on hiatus. The loud echo of their hip-hop and funky sound created energy unlike any other show throughout the night.
Dave Rave lit up the North Stage at 10 p.m., performing with guests from the Ohio University drumline. The DJ-duo and their dancers were dressed in costumes in tribute to the animal release in Zanesville. The show generated a rowdy crowd, leading to increased security as costumed fans attempted to crowd surf.
The headliners of the night, Mojoflo and the Cliftones, continued to keep the energy alive on either end of Court Street. The Cliftones closed the South Stage concert, taking the stage at 11:45 p.m. The band entertained the crowd with its reggae tones and soon the entire crowd was dancing. Security guards joined in the dancing until one unlucky crowd surfer dressed as a penguin fell onto the brick street. Despite concerns, the same man was seen surfing again minutes later.
The event ended at 1:30 a.m. on a high note with closing announcements from Jonathan Holmberg, chairman of the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee.
"Thanks for being such a great crowd and to all the bands for coming out tonight,” said Holmberg. “You all helped create one of the best and safest Halloween nights ever. Let’s do the same thing next year.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
