LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville Halloween tradition made some big changes this year, and neighbors said it was for the better.

For the first time in the long history of the Hillcrest Avenue Halloween celebration, trick-or-treaters needed tickets to attend. The tickets were free and distributed by Louisville Metro event staff stationed at road blockades that closed the street to traffic for four hours.

Safety and space improvements

Crowds have grown so large in recent years that city officials and residents agreed it was time to make adjustments.

“I think it's a lot better just for the environment,” said Hayley Smith, a Jeffersontown resident who brought her family to Hillcrest Avenue this year. “Last year, it was so packed we could hardly move around, especially at night. I like that it

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