New security plan for Harvest Homecoming calls for shorter hours, better lighting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Officials in New Albany released an updated security plan for this year's Harvest Homecoming.

The festival's organizers presented the updated plan to New Albany officials, including Mayor Jeff Gahan and Police Chief Todd Bailey, after a triple shooting at last year's festival that killed 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and left two others wounded.

"And people are poppin' off right — the youth has literally gone wild," said Amy Burnett, a local resident. "It is such a sad state of affairs that parents can't even allow their kids to go, like, teenagers to go on their own."

In the aftermath of last year's shooting, organizers and city leaders promised change — and they’re following through.

The New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety is responsible for approving festival permits. Regulations require permits to be submitted 60 days before an event. At this point, Harvest Homecoming hasn't yet submitted a plan for the Fiesta Rides, although all other permits have been filed.

The city of New Albany posted the plan on its Facebook page Tuesday morning. Here are some of the highlights:

On Fridays and Saturdays, the festival will close an hour earlier this year than in previous years
New security fencing will be put in place to help with crowd control
Enhanced lighting to ensure the city streets remain well-list at night
More family-friendly programming
Promoting the festival as "family friendly and "weapons-free"
Adding a new police security camera system
Increasing police presence and visibility during the festival

Gahan praised festival organizers and city departments for their efforts to improve safety at this year’s festival.

"I appreciate the effort that has gone into the revised plan," he said in a news release Tuesday. "As always, we are proud to host Harvest Homecoming in downtown New Albany."

Bailey said he fully supports the updated safety plan.

"The City of New Albany remains committed to partnering with Harvest Homecoming volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event for all who attend," he said in a news release.

Some local business owners welcome the changes, while others remain skeptical. Alexa Sieg, who owns the iconic Lady Tron Diner in the heart of downtown New Albany, says the fence isn't the answer.

"I'm not feeling the fence,” Sieg said. “Cameras are always good, just in general for downtown. Lights — always good. Closing an hour early doesn’t matter. Fence? No good."

Sieg believes real change has to come from within the community.

“You have to make the world a better place yourself and hope it rubs off on others,” she said.

Despite the added security measures, organizers say the spirit of the Harvest Homecoming remains unchanged.

This year's Harvest Homecoming kicks off with a parade on Oct. 4, followed by Booth Days from Oct. 9-12.

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