Although police were unable to give an accurate estimate of the crowd by 11 p.m. Thursday, Maj. Jeff McCracken of University police said he expected the streets to be packed all night long, despite the cold October air.
He said that this year, traffic regulations were far looser, allowing more people from out of town to come to Franklin Street for the fun.
"A lot more people are expected this year since we are not being as restricted as we were last year," McCracken said. "Last year we didn't allow people who were not residents at Chapel Hill to be on the streets."
McCracken said police began barricading the corners of Columbia and East Franklin streets at 8 p.m., preventing any vehicles from passing.
"People who want to participate in the Halloween events on Franklin Street, they have to come through the barricade." he said.
"We are confiscating alcohol, whether they are open or closed, weapons or any items that look like weapons, anything flammable, and fireworks."
And after many people called last year's Halloween, complete with tight police restrictions, a disappointment, students said they were glad to see a bigger crowd this year on Franklin Street.
Phabienne Parker, a UNC sophomore, was walking on Raleigh Street about 7:30 p.m. in preparation for the big night ahead. She said she expected a better turnout this year and was glad to see the looser restrictions.
"I actually think that this year's Halloween will be much more interesting," she said. "I'm very excited because this year, I'm dressing up with my twin sister, Annette, and I'm looking forward to it."
For freshman Nicole Stephens, this was her first Halloween at UNC. "My friends from Peace College came to visit me, and I'm very excited," she said. "I'm going to be dressed up as a flapper, and we will be heading out to Franklin Street around 10:30 or 11."
To accommodate both out-of-towners and University students who aren't within walking distance of Franklin Street, the town started a shuttle system to get partygoers to Franklin Street for the festivities.
William Evans, supervisor of Chapel Hill Transit, said the buses picked people up at the Jones Ferry Road PR lot, University Mall, the N.C. 54 PR lot and Southern Village. The buses let people off on Franklin Street. "We are working through the night, and I can say that we are more than merrier to be working for Halloween this year," Evans said.
Some of the out-of-town attendees included Chris Hunt, 38, from Raleigh, and his friend, Malia Considiae. About 8 p.m., the two were sitting on the corner of Columbia and East Franklin streets enjoying the view.
"I like sitting in a corner and observing people dressed up," Hunt said.
"So far, the best costume has to be the Willy Wonka and his little workers."
Despite the cold weather, a group of four male UNC juniors were dressed up as Hooters girls, with short skirts and short, sleeveless T-shirts.
One of the juniors, who refused to give his real name, shouted out, "We are so hot right now, and you know that you can't pay for these!"
The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.
