Occupy Boston protesters preparing for a defiant stand-off with police were in for a surprise Friday morning, when authorities offered a late night confirmation: no raids were planned for the encampment, at least for now.

Anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand protesters descended onto Dewey Square Thursday night, after police distributed notices indicating those who failed to evacuate the park by midnight would be subject to arrest and trespassing charges. The deadline came and went, with about 30 protesters taking to sitting and blocking traffic on Atlantic Ave. in protest of the anticipated raid.

Instead, the Boston Phoenix first tweeted at 1:09 am: "On the record: ...BPD says police not coming to #occupyboston tonight." The news, quickly confirmed by Boston Police Superintendent William Evans, was announced to great cheers among the occupiers. Police elected to reroute traffic as the protest embraced a street festival atmosphere in celebration.

Two protesters were reportedly arrested when they refused to remove tents they had transplanted onto Atlantic Ave. Prior to that, police were seen allowing protesters to collect their own tents and move them back to the park themselves. "We're not trying to raid you guys tonight, okay?" Evans is heard to tell protesters on video.

Why they protest

"I'm here today specifically because of the eviction order," Marine Sgt. Elijah Collins, 34, of Charlestown, said. While he served two tours abroad under a six year contract with the Marines, he is no longer an active member. He held a sign bearing the text of the first amendment. "It's unconstitutional – this is public land, people have the right to be here. (Mayor Tom) Menino said it's become a health and safety concern, (but) the general assembly has tried to meet with the city multiple times to address those concerns. They refused, and have now issued the eviction notice. And that's appalling."