By Stephenie Steitzer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ATHENS, Ohio - Thousands of Greater Cincinnati college students deserted their own campuses this weekend and descended upon Ohio University for its annual Halloween street bash.

Between 10,000 and 30,000 visitors flock to the southeastern Ohio college every year to participate in the festival, which has been growing for three decades while developing as a drawing card.

"OU Halloween is a great time because there are so many students from other schools and everyone is so excited about the festivities," said Carrie Altherr, a senior at Miami University.

Thousands of partiers dressed in creative costumes flock to the center of town, which is home to numerous bars and two stages featuring live music.

The street party has evolved from a spontaneous, informal bash 30 years ago to a block party sponsored by businesses that draws just as many out-of-town visitors as it does campus and local residents.

Last year, 3,379 out-of-town guests stayed in dorms, according to a university press release. That's nearly half as many as the 7,500 OU students who live in campus residences. And that's not counting the visitors who stay in hotels and off-campus residences.

The recognition of the festival doesn't please university officials.

"We wish our academic programs and those kinds of things were as high on people's minds," university spokesman and Athens council member Dale Tampke said.

University of Cincinnati sophomore Matt Smith said he went expecting a large crowd and a good time for his first visit.

"I just kept hearing about it last year," Smith, 20, said.

Northern Kentucky University sophomore Shayne Hesler said this is his second Halloween in Athens.

"Last year it was packed," he said. "It was crazy but fun."

The level of chaos varies each year, depending on the weather and police enforcement. Police arrested 74 people last year, which was up from the previous two years.

With temperatures in the 70s and no rain expected, the weather is conducive to large crowds.

Anna Michael contributed to this story.