“We have never had an incident”: Party in the Park producer Jeff Springut ensures safety at the event

ROCHESTER, NY — The Party in the Park kicked off Thursday with various musical performances in the heart of downtown Rochester.

However, in light of the recent mass shooting and large brawl among teenagers on the grounds, News10NBC wanted to see if that had changed security plans for the six-week event.

According to event officials, 400 tickets have already been sold and large attendance is expected. When asked if the Rochester Police Department (RPD) is doing anything different to prevent recent incidents, an RPD official told News10NBC that there will be six to seven police officers present at the event at all times, which is the usual standard for this event.

Jeff Springut, who has worked at the event for 20 years, says there is adequate security personnel available for Party in the Park.

“I can tell you, in all the years I’ve been doing Party of the Park, there’s never been an incident. So I know the city has some problems downtown, but during Party in the Park. So, first of all, it’s a city event. It’s almost surrounded, not surrounded by police at every gate. And inside, there are probably 20 or 30 security people,” Springut said.

After the shooting, the city closed MLK Park at 8 p.m., but will keep it open until the end of the event at 10 p.m. Two acts will be performing on stage: “The Record Company” and “Mississippi All-Stars.” Tickets cost $7, and children under 12 are free.

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