Event prepares to scare up business

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The costumes are now the most frightening thing about Haunt Fest on Fifth.

"They make great costumes," says Michael Martin with the Oregon District Business Association. "They're very creative."

But that wasn't always the case.

Back when the Halloween Party in the Oregon District was called Boo N Brew, sometimes there was as much trouble-making as merry-making.

"It really got to be a drinking party and it's not what we wanted in the district," Martin says.

Since that time about six years ago, the party has undergone what amounts to a costume change of its own. You'll notice the place decorated with fences to make it easier to control the party.

"As people come back they're like, 'this is so cool,'" Martin says. "It's different than what it used to be. It's fun."

Now thousands are spent on security. This year police will patrol the neighborhood section of the Oregon District until the mid-morning hours on Sunday.

"It's like we get to live in a gated community for a day and getting the royal treatment," says Amelia O'Dowd, President of the Oregon Historic District.

That partnership with the neighborhood is what kept Haunt Fest from joining the ranks of the walking dead.

Organizers say no one's been arrested at the event in the last three years.

"It's safe as can be," O'Dowd says.

That safety is what organizers hope will bring people back to the Oregon District and its businesses, even when costumes are back in the closet.

"I think it brings folks downtown and shows the good job we've been doing in the downtown region," Martin says.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. Saturday and goes until 2 a.m. Tickets are $5 but go to $10 after 10 p.m.