MADISON, Wis. -- About 400 law enforcement officers and other staff will blanket the downtown area for Madison's annual Halloween party on Saturday.

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Only about 2,000 tickets to Freakfest have been sold so far, but city officials said most sales happen Friday and the day of the event. Tickets cost $7 and $10 the day of Freakfest. Organizers said 50,000 tickets are available.

This is the third year for Freakfest, the city-sanctioned Halloween event on State Street.

After costly vandalism and riots in past years, the city in 2006 created Freakfest, charging admission and bringing entertainment acts to the party in an attempt to prevent more riots.

Last year, city leaders said Freakfest went very smoothly and organizers are predicting the same success this year.

"We're looking forward to a great, safe night. There will be lots of stuff going on, lots of entertainment (and) something for everyone to enjoy," said organizer Dave Maynard, of Frank Productions.

Frank Productions will have four stages of entertainment at Freakfest, including the headline act O.A.R. at the main stage near the state Capitol.

About 200 officers will work the State Street corridor directly, and others will handle traffic and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Police are warning drivers to plan ahead because some side streets and the Capitol Square will close early Saturday night.

Police will have more private event staff helping them this year. The city of Madison and Milwaukee-based RTM are finalizing a roughly $17,000 contract to hire just more than 100 private staff. Nearly all will be at the event gates, collecting tickets and stamping hands until 1:30 a.m. Sunday, but they'll work longer if police need them.

For more Freakfest and Halloween information, visit Channel 3000's Freakfest section.