Safety emphasized during festival

With the opening of the 79th version of the International Rice Festival just two days away, Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson wanted to place an emphasis on safety for those who be attending Crowley’s biggest party.
And, as he has reminded festival-goers every year, one thing that will not be tolerated is fighting, or any behavior that could lead to violence on the festival grounds.
“Those who are arrested for fighting or any type of behavior that could lead to violence will be charged and their bail will be set at $1,000 without exception,” said Gibson. “This will be strictly enforced on the festival grounds.”
Other rules emphasized by Gibson were:
• No pets or glass bottles are allowed on the festival ground’s streets.
• Be aware of where you park. Those who block driveways or park on private property can be towed.
• People should walk in groups to and from festival grounds, espcially at night.
• Any valuables left in your car should be placed out of plain view.
• Parents should put a piece of paper in the pockets of all small children with their name, their parent’s names and a contact number.
• Any lost children should immediately be brought to the front of either stage (Cajun Country Stage or Cramer Sound Stage) where an officer will be located. The Wells Fargo Office (First Street at Parkerson Avenue) will serve as the Crowley Police Department’s substation during the festival.
• The use of street-legal vehicles, including golf carts, on the festival grounds is open for vendors who need to replenish their booths between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. However, law enforcement officials can have them removed if the situation requires it.
• The Police Department wishes to emphasize that they will be clearing the streets at midnight Saturday immediately following the closing bands on both stages, so that the cleanup crews can get to work as quickly as possible.
“I’d like for everyone to enjoy this year’s festival, but please drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings,”said Gibson. “Treat others as well as you would like to be treated.”