Even after shots were fired at last year's block party, Athens Police will not increase security.
Despite shots being fired at last year's Athens Halloween Block Party, security will not be increased for the event this year, Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle said.
Pyle, along with members of the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee and city officials, held their annual Halloween press conference Wednesday.
Pyle said the "typical" police departments will be joining the Athens community for the evening, including officers on foot and mounted on horses.
Jonathan Holmberg, the chair of the committee, spoke about the change in stages this year.
Only two stages will be present this year, he said, as opposed to the three used in past years.
Brandon Thompson, a committee member also known as DJ B-Funk, said all the DJs at the event have some ties to Athens or Ohio University.
"We tried to give (the DJs) the biggest stay for their hometown," Thompson said. "But you’re really missing out if you stay at one stage."
The committee is also hosting a costume contest at 9 p.m. with $100 awards for best male and female costumes and a $150 cash prize for best group costume.
Service Safety Deputy Director Ron Lucas said there will plenty of parking options, including the city’s parking garage, which should be fully open by Thursday evening.
Wal-Mart’s back lot will be open along with the Athens County Fairgrounds for parking, according to a previous Post report.
Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl said the city will have volunteers patrolling Court Street dressed in white jackets. The city’s resource center will be based at 31 S. Court St. if people need directions or help of any kind, he said.
Only eight people have volunteered so far, so the city is still looking for more help, Lucas said.
“Be safe. Be civil. Be smart about what you’re doing,” Wiehl said. “The idea is that it is supposed to be a fun time, not supposed to be a drag or dangerous for all.”
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