As Salem, Massachusetts, prepares for Halloween, the city is bracing for its biggest day of the year, bringing a massive influx of visitors, increased police enforcement, and a comprehensive municipal safety guide.
City Prepares for Massive Halloween Celebration with Drone Show
The entire month up to now has been a spooky celebration, but Saturday marks the big day. According to reporting from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, hordes of ghosts, ghouls, and visitors will zombie-march into the city.
“Crazier and crazier every year,” one local resident noted in coverage by iHeart.
To help manage the congestion, the city released an official Halloween guide detailing dos and don’ts for visitors. Festivities will include live performances and DJs performing on stages across town, followed by a drone show just past 10 p.m. over the North River.
Global Travelers Visit Salem While Residents Stress Local Life
Travelers have arrived from all over the globe to experience the celebrations. Aryane and Abdel, visiting from Paris, France, told WBZ NewsRadio that they made the trip to see how it was different from France. Aryane noted, “I kind of heard it was the biggest place for Halloween.”
One visitor shared with WBZ NewsRadio that visiting Salem was a dream, just to feel it and to see it, and that it was the occasion to feel it for the first time.
A Salem resident named Wade emphasized that the municipality functions as a home, not an amusement park.
“Yeah, this isn’t an amusement park,” Wade said. “People live here. Respect people’s property.”
Officials Urge Public Transit Use and Enforce Strict Fines
City officials strongly recommend taking public transportation. The municipal guide provides commuter rail schedules, noting that the final train of the night bound for Boston departs at 11:14 p.m.
At the same time, local law enforcement is adopting a strict stance on disruptive behavior. WBZ NewsRadio reported that Salem Police are prepared to issue violations for public drinking, littering, and vandalism, with certain fines tripled specifically for Halloween.
