No longer the notoriously spontaneous street party that it once was, this year’s Castro Halloween bash will be corporatized, policified, and require an entrance fee. That’s right, everyone’s favorite radio monopolizers, Clear Channel, is “sponsoring” the party, typically froth with the nation’s most glamorous cross-dressers, an overwhelming negligence of the city’s ban on open containers, and 300,000 of the bay area’s craziest Halloween lovers.

Clear Channel, the same folks who brought us this spring’s sponsored pro-war rallies, owns over 1,200 stations, or roughly one in every ten in the country, and over 776,000 outdoor advertising displays, such as billboards and street benches. Along with Anheuser Busch and Wells Fargo, they have officially privatized the event, planning to erect 14 gated entryways, a search upon entrance, and a three dollar cover charge.

City officials have reported that more than 300 police officers will roam the streets of the festival to enforce the drinking ban. The event’s website cheerily announces, “As you arrive at the event, you will pass through gates where you'll be checked for alcohol and/or weapons and volunteers from one of our community partners will be collecting donations. Once inside, four exciting stages of entertainment await. Featuring live performers, DJs, costume contests and much more, there's something for everyone this year.”

Except, perhaps, for those who have for years reveled in the spontaneity and randomness of a community planned party without ad banners, billboards, required “donations” or corporate sponsorships. To accompany the expected advertising blitz will be the California State Alcoholic Beverage Commission, San Francisco’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Services, City Attorney’s office, Entertainment Commission, and Sheriff’s Department.

Read more about Clear Channel here:
http://www.corporateswine.net/clearchannel.html