Jefferson City holds first Thursday night live of the summer
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Jefferson City held its first Thursday Night Live of the summer on Thursday in the 200 block of East High Street in Downtown Jefferson City.
The event is presented by Downtown Jefferson City and features live music, food and drinks for people of all ages in the area. A stage is placed on High Street. Thursday's headliner was Soulroot.
Some roads in the area were closed during the course of the event. Those included Monroe Street at East High Street down to Madison Street. Division Chief of Prevention with the Jefferson City Fire Department, Jason Turner said all roads throughout the area that are closed are clearly marked off.
The Jefferson City police and fire departments partnered with the Downtown Jefferson City business to ensure the safety of those who attended.
Angela Nale, who works for Downtown Jefferson City, said taking safety precautions in an open area is especially important.
"You know you see stories of people driving their cars through parades and stuff...we're in the midwest we think we're invincible, we're not," Nale said.
Nale also said two off-duty police officers were hired to monitor the area. Other on-duty cops typically patrol the area while on-duty. A Jefferson City firetruck also blocked off the road leading to the stage of the event to further ensure safety.
"So by having you know the fire department blocking anything dangerous from happening, and the police department you know helping us keep the unrulies...unruly...I can say that you know it's very important to us," Nale said.
Nale also noted the bars in the area were on the lookout for anyone who appeared to be drunk, and worked to make sure no one drove intoxicated.
"We work with some of the bars and they actually.. if they do see someone who's intoxicated and can't drive...we kind of watch for that too as they're leaving and make sure that they are not driving," Nales said. "And we call a safe ride home, we have an uber or a taxi come and get them."
Turner said anyone who attends these events in the future should drink responsibly, set up a designated driver and stay hydrated during the concert.
"We encourage people to be hydrated. If you're gonna indulge in alcohol make sure you drink just as much water as you do with alcohol," Turner said.
The event is held on the third Thursday in May, June, July and August.. Nale said it is great for bringing people to the area, and helps businesses in the area generate revenue each year.
