(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Elgin City Council members got the ghastly news this week that the community’s popular Halloween street fest would cost significantly more to stage.
As council members review the city’s annual events, they are finding costs — like everything else — are going up.
The public cost to put on Nightmare on Chicago Street would increase more than 50% to $512,000 compared to the last version in 2019, says Events Coordinator Kate O’Leary.
The costs of materials, rentals and labor has gone up, while fewer volunteers would be expected, she said.
“We’re effectively starting from scratch in terms of building this event, but with the expectation of production levels after nine years of event growth,” O’Leary said.
Despite the higher cost, one council member commented that the Halloween-time event is still worth it because it’s such a big benefit to area businesses.
City council members will decide next month.
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