'It'll be safer': Community reacts to changes for Harvest Homecoming Festival in 2025
After a fatal shooting tragically cut a teenager's life short, officials promise enhanced safety
After a fatal shooting tragically cut a teenager's life short, officials promise enhanced safety
After a fatal shooting tragically cut a teenager's life short, officials promise enhanced safety
The Harvest Homecoming Festival in New Albany, Indiana, is ramping up security measures for its 2025 event following the tragic shooting of high schooler Bryce Gerlach during last year맥스카지노s festival.
The increased precautions come as a response to community concerns and ongoing efforts to prevent future violence.
Floyd County Sheriff Steve Bush emphasized the commitment to safety.
맥스카지노We맥스카지노ll have resources down here, we맥스카지노ll have barricades, and we맥스카지노re going to protect this festival the best that we can and will do our level best to do that,맥스카지노 Bush said.
This year맥스카지노s festival will see significant changes, including a joint command center operated by the New Albany Police Department and the Floyd County Sheriff맥스카지노s Office. Additional measures include new barricades and fences for crowd control, adjusted festival hours, and a requirement that anyone under 18 in the ride area must be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old.
For some, like downtown resident Andy Glass, these changes bring reassurance.
맥스카지노I맥스카지노m definitely excited that it맥스카지노ll be safer for some of our younger residents to be able to walk around and have a good time without a worry of getting harm done to them, right? Like, that맥스카지노s the main thing. We do it for the kids anyway," Glass said.
However, for others like Lilly Baker, a senior at Floyd Central High School who was near the shooting last year, the memory of the tragedy is still too fresh.
맥스카지노I know there will be more security, but it맥스카지노s just 맥스카지노 that thought맥스카지노s always going to be in my head," Baker said.
Baker, who has decided not to attend this year맥스카지노s event, added, 맥스카지노I would always be looking over my shoulder. I wouldn맥스카지노t even be enjoying myself. I would just be reliving that night.맥스카지노
The festival organizers hope the enhanced security measures will restore a sense of safety and community. Downtown resident Dave Scopelliti believes it would help restore at least some peace of mind.
맥스카지노That was a terrible tragedy. And, yeah, it맥스카지노s hard to stop bad people from doing bad things 맥스카지노 so I think, like, yeah, let맥스카지노s secure it up a bit more," Scopelliti said.
Officials plan to release additional details about the safety plans in the coming weeks.
Bush also reminded the community to keep the Gerlach family in their thoughts as the festival approaches, noting that the event will undoubtedly be a painful reminder of their loss.
The Harvest Homecoming Festival has long been a cherished tradition in southern Indiana, and organizers are determined to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.