MADISON, Wis. — Prior to the city-sanctioned “Freakfest,” there were often a significant number of arrests, damage and disorderly conduct on Halloween weekend in downtown Madison.
The city last held Freakfest in 2019, then canceled it during the pandemic and again this year.
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Yet even without a ticketed and supervised event, Madison police plan to have just as many officers patrolling the area this weekend.
Officers will surround the downtown area on horseback, bikes and in squad cars. There will also be officers stationed at traffic posts to direct vehicles.
MPD has emergency plans in place in case anything gets out of control, according to Madison Police Department public information officer Hunter Lisko.
“We feel that Halloween is one of those opportunities where lots of people like to come out, they like to celebrate, enjoy our beautiful and vibrant downtown,” Lisko said. “But we’re ready to make sure they can do that safely.”
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Overall, Lisko emphasized that the department and other city officials are prepared for anything that comes their way this weekend, despite not having an official event.
“We’re kind of in uncharted waters I guess,” Lisko said. “So for the last several years, we’ve seen Freakfest, but I would just say that the police department, the fire department and the rest of the city is ready.”
For those planning to go downtown to celebrate, officers have three main tips: Be wise about alcohol consumption, communicate with your group and know the address of the place you are staying.
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