Halloween is quickly approaching, and as you are putting the finishing touches on your costumes, the Associated Students of Madison is finalizing plans for an inclusive, fun and safe weekend celebration. ASM, in collaboration with Madison business associations, the City of Madison, the University of Wisconsin and the UW Greek System, is trying to make safe space for the entire community by holding costume contests for children, trick-or-treating at State Street businesses and having complimentary hay rides throughout the downtown area during the day.

To kick-off the evening, ASM will be sponsoring a student costume contest, and at night, many State Street businesses will be selling cheaply priced food and staying open later. The celebration will also feature lighting down State Street, projectors and a sound system. In collaboration with the generous sponsorship of the university, ASM will be distributing free food on Library Mall in an attempt to divert traffic off State Street and sober up drunken revelers. We are trying to keep Halloween alive, but we are also trying to take measures that will protect our community and respect local businesses. We understand that there is no magical antidote to the problems of Halloween weekend, however, we, as students, realize that these problems are never going to disappear without the collective effort of all involved parties. ASM stands in respectful partnership with the City of Madison, the University Administration and local businesses in setting a precedent for a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration.

Caroline Simon Intern, ASM Halloween Issues Committee

Emily McWilliams Chair, Associated Students of Madison