Posted Thursday September 20, 2012 --- 5:05 p.m.

Babies dressed as bunnies, devil dogs and crazy crowds, all were part of Baraboo's Boo Fest. We say were because Boo Fest 2012 has been canceled. For some, like mom Julie Lane, today's announcement is a sad one.

" I've got fond memories because my kids participated when they were toddlers. "

Downtown Baraboo Inc. hosted the annual trick-or-treating event. Todd Wickus, the groups President, says the event was too popular for its own good and they were concerned about safety.

" We had to do what was best for the community."

Wickus says DBI and it's board were worried about pedestrians and vehicles. At the event's peak about 3,000 people filled roughly one square block. The event was only two hours long and people would spill into the streets creating traffic issues.

Officials tried closing streets and adding crossing guards. But, not everyone followed the rules.

Wickus says, " Sometimes either the cars wouldn't obey the crossing guards or the pedestrians wouldn't obey the crossing guards. "

There were never any major incidents and to make sure it stayed that way DBI and its board thought it was time to shut Boo Fest down.

Leah Rachuj says, " It's sad. There's a lot of kids that count on that and I think it's the safest way for kids to go trick or treating now a days. "

Officials say Boo Fest may be gone but they want people to remember that there are still plenty of other safe, alternative trick or treating events going on in Baraboo.