New security measures at Art All Night Trenton after 17 shot
TRENTON (WPVI) -- By the end of the week the Roebling Wire Works building and surrounding area will be transformed into the Art All Night Festival in Trenton, New Jersey.
And there are some changes in store, including a fenced perimeter around the entire event.
Organizers say the goal is to make the event safe and secure after last year's shooting in which 17 people were shot.
"There are some really good artists out here," said Antonio Hernandez of Trenton, who has attended Art All Night in the past and hopes to attend this year.
We found organizers are working feverishly to get ready for Saturday.
Artworks Trenton Executive Director Lauren Otis said, "We knew really early on that we were going to do anything and everything we could. Whatever it took to bring the event back. And the public felt the same."
On June 17, 2018, shots were fired at the festival. Police killed one gunman and two others were charged.
The incident has prompted some major security changes, including a fenced perimeter around the entire event.
"There will be two entrances that will have security there. And every attendee will have to go through that security check," Otis explained.
The two security checks will be located on South Clinton Avenue and Dye Street. Attendees will be wanded and bags will be checked. No weapons, liquids or outside food will be permitted.
The event will also close at 1 Sunday, and reopen at 7 a.m.
The event is still free and open to the public, featuring art, music, food trucks, and live mural painting.
"We had an outpouring of support and people were coming in saying, 'My kids and I will be there. You do it and we'll be there,'" said Otis.
Organizers say if you're coming expect lines to get in because of those security checks, especially Saturday night.
