MADISON, Wis. — Although ghouls and monsters and other unruly creatures of the night packed Freakfest on State Street last year, Madison’s annual Halloween celebration went off without the riots and police confrontations that marred the party in past years.
Officials said that success was due in large part to the city’s increased involvement in the 2006 event. For the first time, revealers were required to purchase tickets for admission onto State Street during the party, and authorities erected fences and set designated entry and exit points to help control the flow of the large crowds.