Living Windows draws large crowd to Downtown Jefferson City, one week after Downtown bar shooting
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Thousands flocked to Downtown Jefferson City for Living Windows, an annual holiday event with performances, food and more.
Despite the large crowds and recent gun violence in the area, Jefferson City residents feel safe having a good relationship with law enforcement. In addition, Jefferson City's Christmas parade will take place 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The parade route is east on High Street from Missouri Boulevard to Lafayette Street. The parade will then travel north on Lafayette Street to Capitol Avenue. The parade will then head west on East Capitol and end at the Truman Building parking lots.
"This is something we do every year and we enjoy having our police officers here," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said. "We have our fire department here, you can see the fire truck right there. It’s lit up and the kids enjoy seeing that. It’s a great time for engagement for our police and firefighters and they keep us safe at the same time."
Nearly a week ago, a shooting at Downtown Jefferson City bar J. Pfenny's Sports Grill and Pub claimed the lives of 26-year-old Skylar Smock and 43-year-old Corey Thames. The front of the bar has turned into a memorial for Smock.
Chad Horton, of Solid Rock Church's worship band, said gun violence is not normal for the area, but they feel safe playing music downtown.
"I mean it can happen anywhere, but we’ve got a great law enforcement community, very supportive," Horton said.