City of Athens 2015 Halloween Block Party Wrap-up Media Release

City of Athens
Halloween Block Party Media Release
November 1^st, 2015

The City of Athens Block Party ended at approximately 2:20 AM EST.  Street crews began cleaning up the street after police officers cleared pedestrians at 2:15 AM EST.  The streets are expected to be open at approximately 5:30 AM EST.

The Athens Fire Department had 1 call for service.  No major fire related events were reported.

Athens County Emergency Medical Services responded to 43 calls for service (38 were block party related), which resulted in 24 transports to O’Bleness Memorial Hospital.

The Athens Police Department arrested 16 people on Friday night and 28 arrests on Saturday night (as of press time).

OUPD arrested 26 people on 32 charges Friday night and 43 people on 47 charges on Saturday night. Two felony arrests were made for cocaine possession and marijuana trafficking.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety Investigative Unit charged 20 people on Friday night and 63 people on Saturday night. All charges were alcohol related offenses.

The City of Athens Safety Team consisted of 8 volunteers that were on patrol from 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM.

The City of Athens would like to thank the Ohio University Police Department, Ohio University, State of Ohio Incident Management Team, Athens County Emergency Medical Services, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Public Safety Investigative Unit, the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal and the many police agencies that assisted the city with the block party.

More information may be available on Monday, November 2^nd, 2015. Contact Ron Lucas, Deputy Service-Safety Director and Public Information Officer at (740) 592-3340 or email rlucas@ci.athens.oh.us

Deja Vu, that last hour was so fun let’s do it again. Yes, that’s right it is time change, fall back 1 hour!!!

Deja Vu, that last hour was so fun let’s do it again. Yes, that’s right it is time change, fall back 1 hour!!!

What happens in Athens stays on the internet, so BE SMART, BE CIVIL, BE SAFE at the Athens Halloween Block Party.

What happens in Athens stays on the internet, so BE SMART, BE CIVIL, BE SAFE at the Athens Halloween Block Party.
BE SMART!
• Always listen to police and follow their instructions.

• If you see the police breaking up a party, leave the area immediately.

• Avoid inviting outsiders to Athens. If you have guests, make sure they are someone you can trust. They will be held to the same standards as you, and their schools will be notified if they are arrested.

• Do not urinate in public.

• Police (Athens and Ohio University) will enforce the laws. They will take photographs and video at “fests” as evidence of any unlawful behavior. If you are identified through video or photo for violating the law, you will be arrested and prosecuted, even after the event.

BE CIVIL!
• Do not break any laws.

• Do not consume alcohol if you are under age 21. Do not provide alcohol to anyone under age 21.

• Do not consume alcohol on public property, including sidewalks, regardless of age. You will be cited for “open container” and if you are under 21, you will be arrested.

• If you burn anything, you will be suspended from Ohio University.

• If you see someone engaging in unlawful behavior, leave the area immediately and report it to police.

• Citizens can file a complaint against your residence for loud music or unruly behavior. Complaints will be addressed promptly. Have respect for your neighbors and other citizens who may be frightened or bothered. All electronic noise must cease at midnight on the weekends.

BE SAFE!
• Stay with your friends; do not travel alone.

• Carry identification with you at all times.

• Stay on private property; streets must remain open for vehicles at all times.

• Do not let people you do not know onto your property.

• Stay off roofs.

• Avoid glass containers and watch for glass in your path; always wear shoes.

• If you see a fire or vandalization, call 911 immediately. If you are uncomfortable with people on your property or in your home, call 911 for assistance.

• If someone is in need of medical attention, call 911 immediately.

This message is brought to you buy the City of Athens, and Ohio University

City sets Athens Halloween Block Party dates for 2015, 2016

The Athens News (July 2, 2015)
Conor Morris

Preorder your Iron Man costume, perfect your zombie makeup, iron your drinkin’ pants, and prepare to batten down your doors and windows, Athens residents and OU students: The date for this year’s Athens Halloween Block Party has been announced.

Following some scrambling to confirm a date last year, the city of Athens has confirmed the dates for 2015 and 2016’s Halloween Block Party well in advance of Athens City Council approving any standard festival preparedness ordinances, such as road closures for the uptown area.

The big, famous/infamous uptown Halloween party coincides perfectly with the actual Halloween holiday this year; Paula Horan-Moseley, the city’s service-safety director, confirmed Monday that the block party will occur Saturday, Oct. 31 this year, and Saturday, Oct. 29 the next year.

The early confirmation of the dates is likely a welcome step for the city’s Clean and Safe Halloween Committee, a volunteer organization that helps plan entertainment for the block party each year. Last year, Jonathan Holmberg, the committee’s longtime director, was not informed by city administration until mid-August that the date for 2014’s Block Party was Saturday, Oct. 25, and rather than the following Saturday (Nov. 1.). Traditionally, Holmberg noted, the block party occurs the Saturday closest to Halloween (which was Nov. 1 last year).

Although Holmberg did not return a call Tuesday, Horan-Moseley confirmed that the city has already held one preliminary meeting with another organizer on the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee.

Holmberg had said last year that the date confusion was a result of not being consulted by the city until late in the summer; he and other organizers had to scramble to rearrange commitments from bands as a result.

Horan-Moseley confirmed some slight changes to the setup of the Halloween block party this year. She said that either two or three stages will be set up the uptown area for live performances this year. She confirmed that one stage will be on North Court Street, possibly near Courtside Pizza, and that another will be on South Court Street near West Union Street, but that the planning committee is still waiting for confirmation on whether the Four Loko-sponsored stage will return to the parking lot off of Court Street in between Attractions Hair Salon and Lucky’s Sports Tavern.

Horan-Moseley noted that two big construction projects probably will affect the placement of stages and the organization of the block party this year. West Union Street between Congress and Court Streets will still have a construction fence blocking one lane of traffic by Halloween, she said, and debris removal and redevelopment of the West Union Street buildings damaged by a fire last November likely will be occurring in that area.

A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT for Dale’s BP at the corner of State Street and North Court Street could also push the north stage further to the north on Court Street, although it’s unclear if that project will be underway by the time Halloween comes around.

HALLOWEEN 2014 METER BAGGING AND STREET CLOSING

In order to keep merchants in the Uptown area apprised of changes in parking and traffic patterns associated with the accommodation of “Athens Halloween”, the following is a list of tentative Police and Streets activities for Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th.

Friday, October 24th

• 12:00 PM No parking on Mill from College to Putnam Streets until 5:00 a.m. Sunday, October 26th.
• 4:00 PM Towing will begin on Mill from College to Putnam Streets.

Saturday, October 25th

• 4:00 AM ALL meters will be bagged.
• 1:00 PM All of the following street closings will take effect:
  • All of Court Street from President to Carpenter
  • West bound Park Place from University Terrace
  • President Street
  • State from Congress to College and a small section of Mill Street next to Court
  • Union from Congress to College
  • Washington from Congress to the Parking Garage
  • Richland Avenue northbound closed at S. Shafer

NOTE: All alleys that access Court Street will be closed at their intersection.

NOTE: Any merchant who needs to access their business or any deliveries that are necessarywill be permitted until 1:00 PM.

NOTE: Traffic from College to the Parking Garage will be maintained throughout the evening.

2014 Athens Halloween Block Party Band Schedule

The following list of bands will be performing at the 2014 Athens Halloween Block Party:

North Stage (Corner of Court and State St.)

7:00 PM Backwords
8:15 PM Mrs. Helen Highwater
9:30 PM Manitoa
10:45 PM DJ B-Funk
12:15 AM Jones For Revival
1:15 AM Music Ends

South Stage (Corner of Union and Court St.)

6:30 PM Dweeb
7:45 PM Sassafraz
9:00 PM Holy Spicoli
10:30 PM Bright At Night
12:00 AM Skashank Redemption
1:00 AM Music Ends

Lokoween Stage – Parking Lot Next to Attractions

6:00 PM Bohno
6:40 PM Air Marshall
7:20 PM Overwaves
8:00 PM Entel
8:40 PM Easty
9:20 PM Black Rabbit

Click for a printable schecule – 2014 band Schedule

ODOT asphalt work on SR682 and W. Union St near Athens through Sun 10/26, significant delays, seek alternate routes!

The Ohio Department of Transportation ODOT has announced that motorists can expect delays through this weekend (Oct. 25-26) on SR 682 and SR 56 (W. Union St.) near Athens and The Plains. Motorists are advised to avoid the area during the paving project and use an alternative route.

City of Athens and Ohio University urge safety, civility during Halloween weekend festivities

The City of Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl and Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis today issued the following joint statement with regard to the upcoming Halloween festivities:

The City of Athens and Ohio University strongly encourage our residents and their visitors to be safe, civil, and smart during the upcoming Halloween festivities. Throughout the weekend, residents should expect an increased law enforcement presence and recognize that it takes the entire community to ensure a safe and clean Halloween.

We thank Ohio University faculty, staff, and students and City of Athens employees and community residents who will be volunteering their time this weekend to ensure a safe community. We ask all residents and visitors to exercise caution, responsibility, and intelligent decision making during the Halloween events. And we urge everyone to report any suspicious activities to the police or another appropriate authority.

Take care of one another and exercise good judgment as you celebrate Halloween in Athens. Thank you for your collective efforts toward promoting conduct reflective of our unique and cherished community.

Press Release_Halloween Communications_October 23 2014_FINAL (3)

City of Athens Halloween Safety Teams Looking for Volunteers for Halloween Block Party on 10/25/14

The City of Athens is looking for volunteers to be involved with the Halloween Safety Teams.  The block party will take place on October 25^th, 2014. The Safety Teams begin at 9 PM and continue until 2 AM. There are two shifts (9 PM to 11 PM and 11 PM to 2 AM). Volunteers can work one or both shifts.

The Safety Teams assist with the Halloween event by maintaining a presence in the uptown area and vicinity during the annual block party.  The Safety teams are primarily an information resource for event participants.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Safety Teams, please contact Ron Lucas, Deputy Service-Safety Director at (740) 592-3340 or by email at rlucas@ci.athens.oh.us

2013 Halloween Block Party EMS Stats

ATHENS COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
2013 Halloween Block Party EMS Stats

57 requests for service (6PM 10/26-8AM 10/27)

Breakdown by primary call code:

• Intoxicated = 22
• Assault = 5
• Injury, Unknown = 4
• Injury, Head and Intoxication = 3
• Injury, Laceration=2
• Unconscious =2
• Injury, Leg =2
• Poisoning =2
• Asthma =2
• Overdose = 2
• Unknown Illness = 2
• Injury, Fall = 2
• Injury, Shoulder = 1
• Suicide Threat = 1
• Lacerations = 1
• Injury, Bloody nose = 1
• Panic Attack = 1
• Diff. In Breathing = 1
• Injury, Stabbing = 1
• Injury, Hand = 1
• Area Coverage = 4* (in 2 of 4 cases, the area coverage truck was dispatched on a call while en-route to Athens.)

Other stats:

• HOSPITAL TRANSPORTS = 24
• Alpha Walking crews utilized = 8
• Bravo Walking Crew utilized = 7
• Albany’s truck used = 1
• Nelsonville’s truck used = 1