BETHLEHEM, PA (CelebrityAccess) — Officials in Bethlehem are weighing possible changes to Musikfest following several violent events that took place at, or near the festival this year.
According to the Easton Express-Times, Mayor Bob Donchez said that representatives from the city will meet with festival organizer ArtsQuest to discuss public safety issues at the event.
Donchez said that changes under consideration for the festival include shortened hours, and better lighting, but noted that he wants to gather input, particularly on the earlier end time from Main Street merchants first.
"While it's fresh on everyone's mind, I thought it would be a good time to openly discuss and give a public forum to talk about some of the things we want to do, and can do, to keep all our visitors – and of course our residents – at Musikfest safe," Councilman Eric Evans, chairman of the public safety committee told the Express-Times.
The review was sparked by a double shooting that occurred just blocks away from the festival following a dispute that reportedly started at the event. Another incident at the festival involved an assault with brass knuckles.
The ten day music festival has taken place since 1984 and it claims to be the nation's largest ungated free music festival. Performers this year included Jason Derulo, The Avett Brothers, Steely Dan, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Alan Jackson and others. – Staff Writers
