Monday, January 28, 2013

Polar Bear

Drove past Pinch Penny Pub and through downtown Carbondale about 10 p.m. Saturday night. Crowds were huge in the Pinch Penny area as well as the water and heat stations set up nearby. While I didn't see any police vehicles in the area, I did notice an ambulance parked across the street from Pinch and I understand from a couple of hospital employees that the ERs were packed with lots of drunks and at least one overdose.

Delivery restaurants apparently were quite busy as well, as I heard that one place had over $1000 just in voids on Saturday, caused by canceled orders or delivery people not being able to find the address.  Downtown C'dale on Saturday night looked fairly busy, with more people out walking/staggering on S. Illinois than I have seen in awhile and the first line waiting to get into Stix since I don't remember when.  No idea what the occupancy rate was on hotel rooms or if they filled as they reportedly did last year.

I expect the council will discuss Polar Bear and similar events at its meeting tomorrow night, especially since a discussion regarding reducing liquor license caps and ending the Halloween closure of three bars in downtown are on the agenda.  Mayor Fritzler is not really thrilled about events such as Polar Bear and word is he may push for an end to it and similar alcohol fueled activities.

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