MADISON, Wis. -- The months of planning by city leaders and students appears to have paid off as the annual Halloween party on State Street concluded early Sunday morning without the riots and mayhem that marred the event in past years.

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There were some tense moments, though, as a rowdy crowd gathered in the 500 block of State Street, at the intersection of State and West Gilman Street, as the event ended and authorities tried to clear the street for cleaning crews.

The event, which was city-sanctioned for the first time this year, was scheduled to end at 1:30 a.m. Sunday. At that time, speakers on State Street announced that revelers should begin exiting the street.

Many people did start dispersing, but a crowd formed in the middle of the street in front of The Exclusive Company on State Street.

The crowd started dancing, jumping around and chanting "Ole! Ole!" and "USA," as officers began moving into the area and sealing it off with fencing. Several officers on horses managed to clear a space in the middle of the street, only to have it fill again with revelers moments later.

"This is crazy. They keep chanting and not moving -- I'm heading away from here before anything happens," said Dave Sargent, a graduate student at the University of Illinois.

At about 2 a.m., officers began moving into the crowd and directing people toward the exits. By 2:30 a.m., the crowd had become less rowdy and was starting to disperse.

Officers had the 100 through 400 blocks of State Street almost completely cleared out shortly after the event's official ending.

After problems with the event in the last several years, city leaders tried a new approach this year. The city charged a $5 cover charge and built stages for bands to entertain the crowds.

As with past years, stadium lights illuminated several blocks of the street. About 250 police officers were on duty, and officers maintained a constant presence on every block.

City officials had predicted that because of the slow ticket sales there would be a considerable rush at ticket booths Saturday night. But some revelers said they were surprised by how easily they were able to get tickets.

"I didn't wait in line at all at 9 (p.m.); it was a lot faster than I expected," said Chris Kepros, a graduate student at the University of Iowa. "I've heard the crazy stories about Halloween in Madison and decided I had to finally come check it out for myself."

The crowd appeared smaller than previous years, especially earlier on Saturday night. There were still large areas of open space on State Street, where in past years people were packed shoulder to shoulder.

"It seems less busy than the last time I was here for Halloween a few years ago. I think the admission charge might be keeping some people away, or people are just waiting to come later," said Tim Flaherty, a student from Iowa.

Attendance picked up noticeably at about midnight as long lines stretched in front of many of the bars on State Street.

Despite the large crowds, the mood seemed mostly calm and peaceful throughout the evening.

"I know in the past there have been riots, but everyone seems pretty happy and it looks like they're having a good time. People I've met have been very friendly," said Simon Clements, a graduate student at the University of Chicago.

Overwhelmingly, revelers on State Street came in costumes -- ranging from the elaborate to the quickly thrown together.

In addition to the standard costumes -- generic doctors, nurses, police officers and cats -- Borat, a character played by the comic Sacha Baron Cohen, was a popular costume this year.

There was also many revelers dressed as Duke Lacrosse players and the late Steve Irwin. However unwieldy, dressing as a kissing booth remained popular. Several people also came dressed as Kevin Federline.

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