Video: Carlotta Steet
A school of fish, a giraffe, several Chilean miners, at least 10 Lady Gagas and a Pikachu, among hundreds of other costumes, congregated for Carlotta Street’s 35th annual Halloween block party.
Thousands of partygoers Friday night descended on Carlotta street to enjoy band performances, food and beer trucks.
Nicole Chellino, elementary education sophomore, attended the party dressed as the Indian Mounds. Her costume was complete with a headdress and a sign saying “Please do not slide on the Indian Mounds.”
“It’s cool, it’s loud, it’s fun,” Chellino said of her first time at Carlotta’s Halloween party.
Stephen Kampen, animal sciences junior, was dressed as Keith Stone from Keystone Light’s commercial campaign and carried a Keystone box. Kampen has been to Carlotta before, but he said this year’s party was the best he has seen.
“The best part is the costumes, friends and atmosphere,” Kampen said. “I know a lot more people [this year].”
Kampen said his favorite costumes were of his friends dressed as Pikachu and Ash Ketchum of the animated Pokemon series.
Baton Rouge Police Department barricaded State Street around 6:30 p.m., and an ambulance and stretchers remained close by for incidents.
Despite rumors of partygoers on stretchers, BRPD spokesman Cpl. L’Jean McKneely said he hasn’t heard of any incidents.
“Nobody called and informed us of any problems,” McKneely said. “Everyone had a good time.”
BRPD spokesman Sgt. Don Kelly said the Carlotta party got out of hand a few years ago and became unsafe.
“We have worked closely with area residents and the North Gate Merchants to do everything we can to help facilitate a safe, legal event, and we’re doing so again this year,” Kelly said.
After a conflict about permits for having the party on Friday or Saturday night, the party’s spokesmen agreed with BRPD to host the party Friday.
Jared Loftus, North Gate Merchants Association president, was confident BRPD would intervene if partygoers showed up Saturday night without a permit. Carlotta Street was empty Saturday, but a BRPD SUV remained on guard.
Several bands played on the Pleasure Club Stage at the
end of Carlotta Street, including Brown Zero, Chasing Autumn, King Babylon, Ends Us, MotherLode, Nil and The Prophet, Eatin Disorder, Glitchell, Pig Lizard and Relatives.
 
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Contact Catherine Threlkeld at [email protected]