A bewitching night in Salem

(John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)

Salvatore Callender walked with his wife, Esmay, down Derby Street in Salem today. He is in the Army and stationed in Hawaii.

By Erin Ailworth, Globe Staff

Gypsies, monsters, pirates, princesses and, of course, witches streamed through Salem's streets tonight as more than 75,000 people visited the Halloween capital of the state, looking for spooky chills and thrills.

Trick-or-treating kids mixed with adult revelers and street corner evangelists preaching against wickedness.

Salem police, monitoring the situation on foot, bike, and horseback, expected the crowd to get a little rowdier later in the night when families go home.

"As it gets a little bit later, you'll see the crowds change. When the alcohol gets involved, sometimes we have some problems," Sergeant Harry Rocheville said.

Police are hoping the crowd will clear out after the 10:15 p.m. fireworks -- a first for the Halloween festival.

Halloween in town has gotten bigger and bigger every year, annoying some residents who have to deal with the traffic and noisy crowds, the Globe reported today. Business owners say the festivities are good for the city and call the night bigger than Christmas.

Meanwhile, in other communities around the state, kids are heading out right now to load their bags full of candy.

Boston police offered some tips for a safe evening, suggesting, among other things, that parents bring a flashlight; that kids wear bright, reflective, flame-retardant clothing; and that other adults drive carefully all evening.

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