In anticipation of larger crowds, owners and law enforcement look forward to a better than average weekend downtown.

This weekend will feature various events for patrons around the area. The weekend kicks off with the DeKalb vs. Sycamore high school game at Huskie Stadium Friday night, followed by the NIU home opener on Saturday. Topping off the weekend is the Middlewest Music and Arts Festival going Friday and Saturday.

“It’s just like any other large community event,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen. “We’ve beefed up patrol, but nothing significant.”

Some businesses downtown are eager for the enhanced exposure.

“It’s exciting to think that all of us downtown are working in cooperation,” said Debbie Witmer, owner of O’Leary’s Pub & Grill, 260 E. Lincoln Highway.

Witmer anticipates crowds wandering to different venues looking for their kind of music.

“There’s going to be a flow of traffic,” Witmer said. “With six different bands playing at the same time, you’re bound to find something you like.”

Even with the football games this weekend, Feithen said there will not be a big difference in expectations.

“There are slightly bigger crowds on game days,” Feithen said. “But we don’t anticipate anything different.”

Jason McLemore, co-owner of SMLTWN Skate Shop, 229 E. Lincoln Highway, is in the process of remodeling his store for the weekend.

“It’s probably the biggest thing for DeKalb since Corn Fest,” McLemore said.

There is ample parking in the downtown area with two parking lots between Second and Third St., and another lot south of Lincoln Highway on Fourth St.