The night of fright on Carlotta Street usually includes costumes, beer and laughing. But this year, the fun ended early. The Carlotta Street Halloween block party was held this past Saturday, but the celebration was cut short by police officers. Residents of Carlotta who participate in the annual block party spent a lot of time preparing their houses for that Saturday. “All the neighbors have been putting up decorations for the past week,” said Megan Emboulas, marketing senior. “Every single person is out here to enjoy that.” Some potential partygoers were scared off by warnings from friends and police. “I invited all my friends here to party at my house,” said Vincent Heitz, University alumnus. “I spent time buying a lot of beer, and they won’t even let anyone drive on State Street to get here. Everyone has to walk a long distance.” Heitz said he attempted to drive to his house at 5 p.m., but he was asked by police to show proper identification to prove he lived on Carlotta. “Rumors are flying everywhere,” Emboulas said. “Some of my friends wouldn’t come because they heard the cops were strip searching everyone.” Policemen on horseback, in cars and on foot were keeping a close watch on the party before it started. State and Carlotta streets were closed by 4 p.m. By 8 p.m., all partygoers were strictly contained to the sidewalk and yards. People in the street were promptly told to return to a residence. “At first, they wouldn’t let us put a foot in the street, or they would yell at us and tell us to get in a yard,” Heitz said. “It is dampening the street party but not the house parties.” On one occasion, a man ran down the middle of the street waving an American flag. Chants of “freedom” and “USA” erupted throughout the contained crowd. “I don’t think they are violating our freedom of speech or assimilation,” Emboulas said. “It just doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand why they are doing this.” Rosie Lester, Carlotta Street partygoer, said the party has not had a permit for the past six years. “The cops tonight said if we had a permit, they would be working for us,” she said. “But instead they said if anyone got in trouble, they would shut it down.” Several houses attempted to play music or let a band perform. All were immediately shut down. The party on the street continued, but the conversation was dominated by the restrictions surrounding it. “It has never been regulated like this before,” Lester said. Some of the revelers felt the police officers’ demands were too much. “Everyone was clearly annoyed that they were being so strict,” said Kelly Welch, Carlotta Street resident. “Even the younger kids were showing how they felt.” Heitz said he was displeased with the events of Saturday’s festivities. “This is a Baton Rouge tradition,” he said. “It has been going on for decades. This authority is ruining our culture.”
—-Contact Ashley Norsworthy at [email protected].