Halloween presents a logistical nightmare for Boulder police

BOULDER - This college town has a history of hosting some notoriously out-of-control Halloween celebrations. Police have been planning for months to make sure this Halloween is not too frightening for the city.

The last time Oct. 31 fell on a weekend was in 2004 and a riot broke out on Saturday night, Oct. 30, after police officers tried to break up a block party.

This year, the city also has to deal with a home football game, and a time change on that night allowing bars to keep serving for an extra hour.

The Boulder Police Department is expecting very large crowds in costumes, but they've tripled the usual number of officers on patrol Saturday night.

Those officers will be concentrated on the Pearl Street Mall and The Hill, which is where crowds destroyed cars and started fires five years ago.

Also, if the annual naked pumpkin run takes place, officers say any naked participants can expect to be arrested.

The city is hoping there won't be much cleanup on Nov. 1.

The city is asking bars to stop serving alcohol the first time the clock strikes 2 a.m. Saturday night, and not stay open for that extra hour. Some have already agreed to that earlier last call.