SALEM — Changes to Haunted Happenings are on the way, Mayor Kim Driscoll told the City Council last night.
Halloween night typically draws tens of thousands of revelers, but this year the crowds could grow even higher because it falls on a Friday.
So the city is trying to find ways to inform the crowds that Halloween is not an all-night street party.
"We want something consistent so folks will know it's the end of the evening, it's time to go home," Driscoll said in an interview before last night's meeting.
Last year, fireworks were launched near Salem Depot shortly after 10 p.m. as a "closing ceremony" designed to move the crowds toward commuter rail trains and send a message that the celebrating was over.
A similar concept is planned for this year. It will likely again include fireworks, though Driscoll said a location hasn't been finalized yet.
After once considering Pickering Wharf as a possible fireworks launch spot, Driscoll yesterday dismissed the idea. She also plans to bring back carnival rides to a vacant lot — once the Dave & Jack's gas station — on Derby Street. The approximately $19,000 the carnival raised last year covered the cost of the fireworks, she said.
"We think it's a very good public safety idea," Driscoll said of the fireworks.
Driscoll also hopes to improve communication with the masses that descend on the Witch City each year.
That includes details like coordinating with bars and making sure the bands and disc jockeys that perform on Halloween encourage people to watch the fireworks, then go home afterward.
The city has also met with Dan Grabauskas and other MBTA officials, who have pledged to help publicize when the city will shut down streets, when the last train leaves, and what revelers can and can't bring into Salem.
"Don't come here at 11, and think there will be a party all night because we really want the streets closed at certain hours," Driscoll said.
She also wants to pass on last train and other details directly to the "droves of students" at the University of New Hampshire, Gordon College and Endicott College who arrive via the T, she said.
While the largest crowds are expected to arrive Friday night, the city also expects the downtown to be busy the following night, as many tourists opt to stay in Salem for the entire weekend.
"I don't think we'll have the crush of people that we get on Halloween, but there will be an additional police presence," Driscoll said.
Leading up to Halloween, the city is replacing last year's carnival games on Salem Common with a small number of food vendors, a pumpkin festival and a hay bale maze.
Kids will be able to decorate pumpkins and put them on display, and there will be build-your-own-scarecrow tables, as well, she said.
"It's something to do for kids and families to really come and enjoy Salem and hopefully spend time here, not just in haunted houses," Driscoll said.
Moon Haven Productions is planning an Octoberfest with traditional German food and music at the parking lot at Front and Lafayette streets during the weekend before Halloween.
For all the inconveniences of hosting Haunted Happenings, Driscoll stressed the revenue raised from parking fees and other sources more than covers the cost of extra police, fire and public work crews.
She also urged residents with Halloween "pet peeves" living in neighborhoods affected by the monthlong influx of tourists to contact her office.
"Whether we're happy that folks are coming or not, they're coming," Driscoll said. "So we need to make sure we plan for it."
Staff writer Chris Cassidy can be reached at ccassidy@salemnews.com.
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