A calm, well-behaved crowd watched Zozobra burn Thursday before collapsing into a cool, clear autumn night.

Thursday's 86th burning of Zozobra saw no violence. Although there was a heavy police presence, only three misdemeanor arrests were reported by 9:45 p.m. as well as a few arrests for substance abuse and DWI.

The evening included a special tribute to the city's anniversary: glowing orange fireworks that spelled out "Santa Fe 400."

The 49-foot-tall marionette was attired in his usual white shroud and green glowing eyes, but he somehow looked more festive than usual with more metallic-colored bracelets, belt and bow tie.

After the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the Santa Fe High Choir, and the first round of fireworks at 8:45 p.m., the emcee began to taunt the crowd.

"I ask the citizens of Santa Fe," he said, "Shall we now send Zozobra to his fiery death?"

"Burn him," they shouted.

At 8:50 p.m., the lights went out in Magers Field at Fort Marcy Park and Zozobra began to groan.

At 8:55 p.m., the Firedancer appeared and Zozobra's groans became shorter and more desperate.

At 9:03 p.m., flames began shooting out of the eight canisters lined up in front of Zozobra, then minutes later, strings of fireworks on either side of Zozobra ignited, obscuring Old Man Gloom with a plume of thick smoke.

Like last year, a missile was fired into Zozobra's side, but it failed to ignite him. But a few minutes later, at 9:09, flames began to appear in Zozobra's mouth. Seconds later, flashes inside his upraised arms began to ignite them. Then flames became visible inside the shroud.

By 9:11, fire began to consume the effigy, with flames exploding out of his head until the head itself finally fell forward. For a minute, the arms remained slightly raised, but by 9:12, Zozobra was history — collapsed into a smoking clump on the ground. Fireworks continued for several minutes after the burn.

Police declined to give a crowd estimate. Organizer Ray Valdez of the downtown Kiwanis told Community Access Television that 7,000 tickets were sold in advance for $10 from the Lensic. The price went up to $15 on the day of the burn, and those were available only at the front gate.

Contact Tom Sharpe at 986-3080 or tsharp@sfnewmexican.com

Video by KOB.COM