Events in Boston and Denver raise question about security at big events
More than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate at the annual Earth Day street festival at Peace Park in Columbia on Sunday.
Because of the recent events in Boston and Denver, events drawing large crowds of people have many more thinking about safety and security.
Although extra law enforcement was not called in for the Earth Day festival, police said making sure people are safe is still of utmost importance.
Those who attended the event Sunday though said they don’t believe there is as much of a threat in Columbia.
“I have a lot of faith in the local law enforcement system and I feel pretty safe here,” booth operator Beth Eiken told ABC 17 News.
Instead, they say they’re focused on what the event itself stands for.
“Today’s a good day, we can learn about our planet and what’s really going on,” Earth Day advocate Jordan Singleton said.
Organizers said coming together with food, crafts and entertainment is a way to raise awareness about environmental issues.
“It’s kind of getting everyone on the same page as far as how to treat the environment or being at least conscious of the environment,” said Nomaj Kimbrough, who attended the festival.
