You may have heard a thing or two about Halloween and the Oakwood house. Many of you love the tradition… we get it. We do too!
Here’s the thing: we want to keep everyone safe who stops by to enjoy one of the spookiest houses around.
The event draws more than 5,000 people and includes the closure of five blocks. For comparison, a full Fayetteville Street event closes four blocks plus City Plaza.
The closures take place on heavily trafficked roads and busy neighborhood streets. Based on the size of the event, how it’s publicly advertised, and the number of blocks being closed, it has grown beyond what would be considered a typical neighborhood block party.
So, what is the City asking? Well, because of the size and scope, a Special Event Permit is required. Barricades have always been required for street closures to protect everyone gathering, but the permit also ensures there will be insurance in place, as well as a simple plan for clean-up. While other events may require additional measures, we are not requiring on-site EMS, weather spotters, portable restrooms, or a formalized trash plan.
Again, we want everyone to have fun and enjoy the spookiest time of the year. We just want to make sure it’s done as safely as possible.