COLUMBUS — With the detour around downtown Columbus in place, plans are full speed ahead this week in preparation for next Monday's filming of "Public Enemies."
Set construction continued on Monday in many of the stores with dozens of workers bringing back the 1930s with period displays. Many of the display windows in the stores are already decorated and new awnings were popping up on the storefronts.
Even actor Johnny Depp, who will star as John Dillinger in the movie, is reportedly making his own preparations. Unconfirmed reports say he is currently in Chicago practicing using a Thompson submachine gun, or better known as a Tommy gun.
Whether or not Depp is working on his aim, the city of Columbus has set its sights on making this a memorable experience.
Hard Head's owner Diane Breunig said the tavern has gotten into the Dillinger spirit.
"Saturday night we are having a gangster party starting at 8 p.m.," Breunig said.
The filming of the movie led to talk about doing the theme party, Breunig said. Customers will be asked to dress in 1930s clothing and there will be prizes for customers with the best costumes.
"We thought it would be cool," Breunig said.
The owner of West James Gallery and Visitor's Center, Kim Bates, said that she has seen a lot more traffic in town. Bates' gallery, the site of the former First National Bank, will relive its past as the Greencastle, Ind., bank — a bank that John Dillinger robbed in 1933.
"I didn't get out of here until 6 on Sunday night," said Bates, who generally closes her doors at 4 p.m. on Sundays. "We're usually not open on Mondays and Tuesdays, but we will be while this is going on."
Bates said a lot of people have been asking her if Depp will really be coming to town and what will happen during the filming.
"Yes, you can get into town," Bates said. "And everything will be open downtown. Downtown will be the only place where they will not have traffic on Monday. However, people can park on the side streets and walk down."
Barricades will be used to contain onlookers when scenes are being shot.
"They have said (people) will be fairly close, but if the crowds are too noisy they will move the barricades back farther," Bates said. "So, if everyone behaves, we'll be closer to the action."
Tpederson@capitalnewspapers.com