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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us November 4, 2004 Our View The problem with outsiders on Halloween The mood on the streets of downtown Ashland midday on Sunday was upbeat, celebratory, weird and eclectic. It was all things Ashland. The funky parade filled the streets, led by a drum circle and celebrating, costumed participants, gleefully dancing their own dances. Parents, children, even pets strolled the streets together in costume. Smiles. Everywhere smiles. But past that, in the spaces beyond, pacing the streets was a decidedly different element. People who clearly, as they say in the South, "ain't from around here." Not "ain't from around here" tourists, because many of our tourists have been here enough they take on the vibe much like Hawaiian vacationers adopt the culture a bit more each time they visit. This was a subtle "ain't from around here" vibe that spoke more of people who live nearby, but didn't often come to Ashland. They didn't seem to be here because they particularly liked Ashland. Many, stood back from the parade and energy around it, watching, almost disapprovingly. Hours later, a starkly different vibe took over the Plaza. A crazy, fun kind of party vibe, but intermixed now with an angry, edgy vibe. Wonderful, Edenlike Ashland was tilting toward something less esoteric, pretty and distinct. Something more common, base and hostile. Several residents, longtime veterans of Halloweens, commented that for awhile it felt like Ashland used to be, but that edge was present. That's about the time when the mischief began. Police began scurrying from fight to fight, call to call. The list was simply scandalous: minor fires, a stabbing, multiple brawls, thefts and other petty crimes. So much so that Ashland Police couldn't come close to handling it alone. Much needed, and appreciated, help came from Talent, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff's office. Many of those arrested or cited were Ashlanders. But much of it was people from outlying areas who came to Ashland on Halloween simply because of the potential for problems. To drink too much, to fight, to break things and to steal. Yes, we are painting with a broom, because many had a fine time downtown and never broke a law. But as a whole the mood was not a good one. As one city official said, a better solution is needed. Perhaps something coming from the creative, collective energy of the residents of Ashland themselves. Halloween in Ashland, like the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, is a big part of our culture. We need to seriously defend it, and together police it to keep the energy much as it was in the parade, and nothing like it was after Halloween turned into November, and the dust of a long night for police finally settled. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Isotoner Slippers Dsw Shoes Ceramic Piggy Banks Fanny Mae Eloans Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weight Loss Programs Citibank Student Loans Acs Loan Matchmaking & Dating Scripts Adventure Travel Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation helzberg diamonds Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams