Thousands pack Franklin Street in Chapel Hill for Halloween; 13 arrested
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Town officials estimate 32,000 people packed Franklin Street Friday night for Chapel Hill's annual Halloween bash.
Police were out in force trying to keep everyone in check.
"We waited all year. You always hear about it," said Trevor Gordon. "It's one of the biggest in the nation so I'm really pumped right now."
"It's probably one of the best nights of the year as a tar heel," said Nicholas Davez.
Partygoers hit the street donning all sorts of costumes and creations.
"We love seeing people come out and having a good time," said Becky Woodruff.
As partygoers reveled in the Halloween fun, police rolled out to make sure everyone celebrated safely. There were more than 300 officers on the street. The town called on nearby municipalities to help them with the massive crowd.
"When there are many thousands of people out here -- is very dangerous," said Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue. "So those are the type of things that give public safety managers nightmares leading up to an event. That being said, we've been very fortunate these last few years. We haven't had any serious incidents, very few arrests."
In all, police said they made 13 arrests and there were 29 EMS calls during the celebration. Most of the EMS calls, they said, were alcohol related.
The party on Franklin Street lasted until midnight. Franklin Street reopened around 1 a.m.
