Impersonators of Amy Winehouse and John McCain walked arm in arm Friday night down the crowded Carlotta Street. It must be Halloween.In the shadow of last year’s events, in which police officers cut festivities short, some expected a failure. But thanks to the Northgate Merchants Association, the appropriate permit was acquired for $1,500. Street closures were scheduled, and police presence was obtained for the block party, which attendees and  residents deemed a success. “[The Northgate Merchants Association] also provided porta-potties and cleanup,” said Jared Loftus, owner of Tiger District and president of the Northgate Merchants Association. “There was also a beer truck so we could get our money back.”Loftus said the group “broke even” during the 12-hour party.”Our only source of revenue was the beer sales,” Loftus said. With only a month to organize the entire event, there was no time to find sponsors, but Loftus said he expects more sponsors next year.”We weren’t able to get a stage for the band,” Loftus said. “Next year, we will have plenty of time to get that together.”Ben Abbott, plain-clothed history senior, said this year’s party was “safer and more coordinated.” “There was a bad vibe last year,” Abbott said. “Everyone is in a much better mood now.”Abbott said he had a much better time than last year.”The Coors Light truck makes [the party] much more legit,” said Cole Piper, psychology senior, donning a black beaded dress. “Everything is much more professionally done.” The atmosphere was relaxed and carefree. A man dressed as Stuart from “Mad TV” sported tighty whities and exclaimed “Look what I can do!” for a crowd of laughing spectators. A local church passed out gum and candy to party goers, and a Michael Phelps impersonator escorted a pirate with exposed cleavage through the crowd, which made the party comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. John Wessler, computer science senior at LSU-Shreveport, made a special trip to Baton Rouge for the party.”As someone from Shreveport, no one there gets excited about Halloween,” Wessler said. “That’s why I came down here.”Wessler was in attendance last year, too. He said he appreciated the set up this year.”It sucked because [last year] I had to jump four fences and run around houses just to get here,” Wessler said. Loftus said there were only two incidents of lawbreaking.”There were two tickets handed out for minor, misdemeanor charges,” Loftus said. “In a crowd that large, that’s pretty good.”Loftus said the police estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the party throughout the night.”Officers that have been working the party said this is the largest turnout in 10 years,” Loftus said.- – – -Contact Ashley Norsworthy at [email protected]