Tens of thousands of party-goers, many dressed in Halloween costumes, attended the event on State Street in the downtown area of Madison.

[9] However, State Street, a popular nightlife destination, saw an marked increase in crowds on Halloween weekend, requiring the Madison Police Department to have a larger than normal presence in the area.

However, when the legal drinking age changed in 1986, the fundraising ceased as their primary money-making source was gone, leading to the eventual end of student government's sponsorship.

The cost of additional police, the potential of damage to local businesses, and the protection of the city's reputation prompted the concern of Madison leaders, some of whom suggested canceling the event altogether.

The festival included films and live performances by nationally known musical artists with sponsors such as Mountain Dew.