Bethlehem's 40th annual Musikfest kicks off Thursday
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CBS) -- A Lehigh Valley festival that brings in more than a million people kicks off Thursday. We're talking about Musikfest.
This year's show includes singers Keith Sweat and Maren Morris, groups the Goo Goo Dolls and Walk the Moon, and comedian Gabriel Iglesias. Musikfest runs through Aug. 13.
Safety is certainly top of mind here following a shooting during last year's festivities.
The city of Bethlehem Police said they've made changes and are prepared to head into the 40th year of Musikfest.
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Last-minute preparations are well underway ahead of the gates at Musikfest opening.
"It's a huge pride point too that the city of Bethlehem from the emergency responders to city hall can host the entire world here for 11 days here," Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, said.
More than a million people are expected to come out and enjoy the 16 stages at the 40th annual event, spanning 50 acres of the city.
"Safety-wise, we train with emergency responders at every level – city, state, county, federal all year long," Hilgert said.
Gunshots at last year's Musikfest sent festivalgoers scrambling. Bethlehem Police said a 20-year-old was injured during the incident.
"What happened last year was very much targeted," Chief Michelle Kott, of Bethlehem Police, said. "It was not a random act of violence. That being said, I want people to know that we're doing everything in our power to make sure that this is the safest Musikfest that we can provide."
According to Chief Kott, that means more officers this year, including mounted patrol help from state police and nearby Lancaster. The department also added a number of fixed security cameras in different areas of the event.
"We have more officers than ever out and about, visible to the public to give them a piece of mind," Kott said. "We'll also have officers in plain clothes monitoring crowds, looking for any issues."
While the department is working alongside their state, federal and local partners – they ask anyone attending to be their eyes and ears too. A message echoed by organizers.
"What I would say to anyone coming to the festival is you have an active role in this," Hilgert said. "If you see something, say something."
The chief also said bags will be checked at Wind Creek Stage – that's where you need a ticket to get in.
Tickets to Musikfest can be purchased online.
