With the excitement of Halloween just around the corner, plans for Freakfest 2007 are being finalized.
The Downtown Coordinating Committee met Thursday to discuss Halloween updates, and, according to committee member Mary Carbine, everything is going smoothly.
"Things seem to be going remarkably smoothly this year," Carbine said. "Last year there was a high level of concern, but this year private property owners seem comforted."
At the beginning of the week, businesses, property owners, their employees and residents were given complimentary tickets to access their properties during the event. This distribution, according to Carbine, went off without a hitch.
"All systems are a ‘go’," said Madison Alcohol Policy Coordinator Joel Plant in a statement. "Complimentary residential and commercial tickets were mailed this week, private security firm is under contract [and] fencing and traffic plans are finalized and ready to be deployed."
For security purposes, Frank Productions has hired RTM, a private firm from Milwaukee, which will be taking tickets and providing a security presence at the gates.
"This year, they have 100 hired security personnel plus supervisory staff from RTM," Carbine said. "They will provide a more concert-style feeling."
Another change from last year is the fencing area, Carbine said. The Walgreens on State Street will not be included in the gated area, allowing access to residents. Also, the west side of Gilman Street down to the Blue Velvet Lounge will be inside the gated area. However, access will be limited due to police usage of that area.
"If you’re going to cause a problem, you’re less likely to go to a structured event," said Carbine. "The perception from one bad, highly publicized event gives people the impression that downtown isn’t safe, and this is something we’re trying to avoid."
Carbine also emphasized that State Street will be open before Freakfest begins. While the gates will be set up prior to the event, a ticket is only needed between 7:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.