The return of Nightmare on Chicago Street remains up in the air as city officials survey downtown businesses to determine how much interest there is in bringing the Halloween festival back after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Staff is in the exploratory stages of determining whether Nightmare on Chicago Street is feasible given the late start on planning and the pandemic-related economics still impacting downtown businesses,” city spokeswoman Molly Gillespie said.
Special Events Coordinator Kate O’Leary will give a presentation on Nightmare and other events at the Elgin City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on March 23.
“As in years past, staff will first be presenting the city council with its proposed plans for the year’s special events season before any decision is made,” Gillespie said.
The city recently issued a request for proposals for beer vendors to “gauge interest and demand (in the outdoor Halloween event). Discussions with Downtown Neighborhood Association and its stakeholders have also been underway as part of this evaluation,” Gillespie said.
Nightmare on Chicago Street’s premise is there has been an apocalypse in which downtown Elgin is overcome by zombies, who are played by actors. In addition to decorated backdrops and Zombie actors roaming the streets and engaging guests, there are live bands, food and alcoholic beverages. Attendance is limited to adults.
An annual event since 2011, Nightmare has drawn huge audiences — 14,500 people attended in 2019, the last year it was held, according to city documents.
When the pandemic struck, Elgin switched to a new Halloween event, a drive-thru haunt at Wing Park called Little Park of Horrors. Because people stay in their cars to experience, it was a COVID-safe event that drew thousands of people in 2020 and 2021.
If Nightmare is held this year — its 10th anniversary — it would be on Oct. 22.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s attendance would be capped at 12,000, officials said.
Those attending would need to comply with any Illinois Department of Public Health and Kane County safety regulations. Masks may be required, and social distancing may be considered. The cancellation deadline would be in late May, officials said.
In addition to asking downtown business owners wanted they want the festival to return this year, the survey also asks whether their business would participate and if there were any issues or concerns about the event.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
