The Final Countdown: Salem Prepares for Record Halloween Weekend Crowds

Photo by Leslie Breton

Everything looks like it is lining up to bring a perfect Halloween storm of visitors to Salem on Saturday.

A fair weather forecast and Halloween falling on a Saturday means city officials are expecting even larger than usual crowds for the annual celebration.

Halloween is expected to bring record numbers to Salem for the culmination of the city’s Haunted Happenings celebration, and officials are putting enhanced safety measures in place to make sure visitors and

Ticketed events planned for Halloween weekend will be complemented by free live music performed on stages around town. From a Beatles cover band on Salem Common to 80s covers on Front Street, and new artists on the Radio 92.9 Main Stage on Washington Street, music for all generations will be played until 10 p.m.. In addition, the carnival on Derby Street will be open until 10:00 pm, and many of the attractions in downtown Salem will have extended hours on October 31.

City officials are encouraging people planning to celebrate Halloween in Salem are encouraged to arrive early, avoid the traffic by taking public transportation, and leave costume weapons (real or fake) at home. A flyer with the schedule of public events and public safety information can be found at bit.ly/2015HalloweenGuidelines.

Downtown roads in Salem will be closed as early as noon to accommodate the thousands of revelers. Salem Police make the closure decisions based on public safety needs, and complete road closure information is available at Salem.com and HauntedHappenings.org.

Each year tens of thousands of costumed revelers celebrate Halloween in Salem. While the vast majority of visitors enjoy their time in Salem without incident, there are some who take advantage of the public gathering and end up causing harm to the area, themselves or others, according to city officials. They are strongly discourages disorderly behavior, including drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism. Offenders will be penalized to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally.

Salem Halloween Guidelines

· See something, say something! Call Salem Police at (978) 744-1212 or report to Salem Police at one of the bright orange Salem Police Tents throughout downtown.

· Use Salem Police Text-a-Tip from your mobile phone by texting 67383 and enter SalemTip with your tip.

· Do not bring weapons, fake or real, as they will be confiscated.

· Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

· Triple fines are in effect on October 31. This means citations for illegal behavior, including public drinking, vandalism, and littering, could have fines up to $300.

· Seek Alternate Routes, do not drive to Salem on October 31. Take the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry. Park in Lynn or Beverly and take the MBTA Commuter Rail right to Salem.

· Be patient. Road closures and details are numerous on October 31. If you must drive, expect delays.

· Plan to arrive no later than 8:30 PM so you have time to make the most of your Halloween experience in Salem.

· Don’t get stuck. The MBTA will be closing the garage at the commuter rail station to cars from 8:00 PM—1:00 AM. No cars will be permitted to enter or exit during those hours.

· Do not park in “Resident Parking” zones. The fine is $40, and you may be towed.

· Please be considerate of private property and Salem’s downtown residents.

· The party ends after the fireworks. Plan to depart at 10:30 PM, as police and public works department will be clearing the streets and sidewalks.

· Visit HauntedHappenings.org for complete information on Salem Haunted Happenings and Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts.

A complete schedule of entertainment has been planned by the City of Salem and its partners, including Radio 92.9, to ensure a fun celebration for all who come to Salem. The schedule and additional information regarding traffic, directions, and parking can be found on HauntedHappenings.org.