By Jake Palmateer
ONEONTA _ City police were out in force during the weekend in anticipation of Halloween revelers.
They weren't disappointed.
Police arrested or ticketed at least 34 people Saturday and early Sunday morning. The total was more than twice as many as last year, when Halloween was on a Friday, and nearly five times as many as in 2006, when the holiday fell on a Tuesday.
"I think it was definitely busier than most Halloweens because it was on a Saturday," Sgt. Andrew Thomas said Sunday.
Although rain fell during the afternoon, better weather prevailed in the night, which also encouraged a good turnout downtown, Thomas said.
This weekend also marked the end of daylight-savings time, which extended the revelry.
"There were a lot of people," Thomas said.
The annual Halloween parade filled downtown with children and their families. College students and other adults filled the bars.
Thomas said the night was fairly peaceful with few major incidents reported.
Most of the arrests were for open-container violations, unlawful possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated.
"It wasn't really that bad," Thomas said.
Police are investigating a purse snatching and an assault at Cosmos Pizza that left a man with minor injuries. A 31-year-old Otego man was arrested in connection with the assault.
Thomas said that in addition to college students, there appeared to be a lot of local adults and visitors from out-of-town celebrating downtown.
