MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Metropolitan Police Department is gearing up for a big weekend. The city is known for its huge Halloween celebrations.
This year, the holiday coincides with a notable football game, as the Wisconsin Badgers take on Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium.
Madison Police Captain Mike Hanson said they’ve been planning upgraded security measures for a while.
“Something that we normally do on weekends is staff the entertainment area of downtown with plenty of officers, and we’ve done that and then some for this weekend,” he said.
Two big events in one weekend might seem overwhelming, but Hanson said the timing of the Badgers game may work to the department’s advantage.
“Having a night game alongside Halloween actually helps, because we can transition from keeping the downtown area safe in relation to the football game, to then people that are coming downtown to celebrate Halloween,” he said.
Hanson shared some tips for everyone planning to come out. He said to give yourself more time to get to where you’re going. Drivers also need to be patient, because there will be road closures and lots of people walking around. Also, if you plan to dress up, he said, make sure your costume does not include fake weapons.
“If you see anything suspicious or a person who is suspicious, let us know,” he said. “We want to check it out, we want to investigate.”
Business owners are also planning for a big weekend.
Laura Komai is the co-owner of Anthology, a shop that sells local art and gifts. The business has been on State Street for 15 years.
While her business will be closed during nighttime festivities on Friday and Saturday, she said she’s not worried about any extra crowds during the day.
“We just love this space, that there’s a lot going on,” Komai said. “You get people coming from all over the place. You get people who live down here. It’s just a nice mix of people, and that’s always the case.”
Komai helped kick off Madison’s Halloween celebrations on Wednesday. Families with children were invited to dress in costume and trick or treat downtown. Businesses handed out candy.
“The downtown area, it’s here for everyone,” Komai said. “It functions. It has a lot of different purposes. That’s why we love it.”
Both business owners and law enforcement are encouraging everyone to have fun, but to do it safely.