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Elgin readies for bigger, scarier 'Nightmare'

With bigger-than-ever crowds expected to descend on downtown Elgin for the fifth annual Nightmare on Chicago Street Halloween party this Saturday, the city is preparing for the onslaught.

The event takes place in streets blocked off to traffic that organizers have fancifully dubbed the “Safe Zone.” Attendees will see scary scenes and marching zombies while vendors offer food and drink options and bands play on four stages.

“We are honored to have Svengoolie back again,” said Barb Keselica, Elgin's special events and community engagement manager.

The ghoulish TV character is moving to a new spot this year. He'll be at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, where he'll sign autographs from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. At 9:45 p.m., Svengoolie will serve as master of ceremonies at the event's costume contest.

Last year's contest winners were a couple dressed as Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

There also will be a new area this year called Cirque de Freak, the contents of which have not been fully disclosed.

“We haven't given out details because we want people to be surprised,” she said.

Keselica said anyone 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult to enter.

“Many of our bars will be selling alcohol in the streets,” she said. “It's definitely geared to an adult crowd.”

While organizers are busy ensuring that music, cabaret and burlesque acts, a battle of the bands, a costume contest and the creepiest of characters are ready to roll, city officials also are working out the financial logistics.

Last year, the net cost of the festival to the city was $34,000.

This year, said Keselica, the city is aiming to cut that loss down to zero.

Admission prices will increase to $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Last year, tickets were priced at $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

“Our goal this year is to try to break even,” she said.

The event's Facebook page indicates more than 17,000 people intend to be part of the Nightmare experience this year.

“Last year, we had 12,500,” Keselica said. She said crowds have increased each year; the first year drew 3,500 attendees.

While the festival will take up the same “footprint” in the downtown area, covering six full city blocks, as it has in the past, Keselica said the city has budgeted $160,000 for expenses, up from last year's expenditure of $134,293.

With a larger crowd, additional funds are needed to cover more police personnel needed for increased security, she said. Additional public works workers also will be pressed into service.

Labor costs are a significant part of the equation, Keselica said.

“Last year, it was 33 percent of the budget,” she said. “It might be little bit more (this year).”

Keselica said there have been no arrests during any previous incarnations of Nightmare on Chicago Street.

“In the last four years, we've had the event and we haven't had any issues,” she said.

Despite the fact the event has been spared nasty weather thus far, the city is wary of the impact a major storm could have on the event and the city's budgetary bottom line.

“This year, the city purchased weather insurance,” Keselica said. She said the exact terms of the insurance are still being negotiated.

Vendor prices are also going up. There will be a total of 22 vendors this year. While vendors who participated in years past will be charged $50, new vendors will pay $75 to participate, Keselica said.

Keselica said city officials met with business owners in September to discuss the event and its relative benefit to downtown businesses.

“We're bringing all the people to the door fronts of their businesses,” she said. “It's their job to bring them in.”

For details or to purchase tickets, visit www.nightmareonchicagostreet.com

Scenes of apocalyptic mayhem will fill the streets of downtown Elgin at Nightmare on Chicago Street on Saturday, Oct. 24. COURTESY OF CITY OF ELGIN
Ghoulish TV character Svengoolie will serve as master of ceremonies at the costume contest at Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin. COURTESY OF CITY OF ELGIN

If you go

What: Nightmare on Chicago Street

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

Where: Chicago Street, Douglas to Villa, Elgin

Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

Details: <a href="http://www.nightmareonchicagostreet.com">www.nightmareonchicagostreet.com</a>

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