Police are taking no chances on Street Vibrations safety this year, after last year's fatal shooting inside John Ascuaga's Nugget.
Although the event is back for its 18th year, some strict rules and major changes are in place to keep it safe. All of the Sparks events will be on Nugget property this year, so event organizers can prevent people from wearing their motorcycle club colors.
"The Nugget and Roadshows wanted the ability to enforce the no colors rule," Sparks Police Lieutenant Chad Hawkins said, "and the only way we could do that was on private property."
Instead of having the event out on public streets and sidewalks, everything will be contained to casino property. Hawkins said all law enforcement departments are teaming up to have more officers at the events and on the streets. They are also following any club activity at events around the country, so they know what to expect if similar people come to Street Vibrations.
Despite all the precautions, Hawkins said he doesn't expect too much trouble this year, and that in the past, Street Vibrations has actually been a tame event. He said other special events, like the Rib Cook-off and Hot August Nights, are actually more active than Street Vibrations is for law enforcement.
"This event typically, historically, has been one of our quietest events as far as policing goes," Hawkins said. "I expect it's going to return to that. With some preparation hopefully nothing will repeat like last year."
Street Vibrations starts up Wednesday at noon. To see a full schedule of events, click here.
Written by Arianna Bennett
