They essentially tried splitting up halloween here in San Francisco some years back, first making it "official" on the night itself -- even charging everyone five bucks TO GET INTO THE CASTRO (where the action had always been) -- not just the out-of-towners, but the locals, the people who go to the castro every day. After a great deal of outcry, they moved the "official" party to Civic Center the following year, and for a couple years thereafter, although many were not fooled, and went to the more "fun" unofficial street party in the castro, which was still free (I suppose some went to both).
Then, finally, this year they changed the "official" party at civic center to the Saturday *before* Halloween -- I don't have the figures, but I seriously doubt many people went. And I have a feeling there'll be plenty of people at the "real good and free" halloween tonight in the castro tonight. So much for official interference. They can change Halloween to the third of April for all most people care, and they will continue to celebrate it on 10/31, as they should. Looking forward to the real good and free (or at least no cover charge) get-together of the SF Bay jmdlers on the 7th at the Cafe Bazaar. Anyone (including possibly vacillating lurkers) in SF and environs who hasn't been officially invited, contact Darice at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Happy, happy, joy, joy, hallo, hallo, ween, ween (as Stimpy would say), Walt
