“My top advice would be to come early. The crowds are going to swell as the evening goes on,” Ed Kraus said.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Work crews in Downtown Fort Worth spent all day Monday gearing up for what organizers call the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the city’s history.
An estimated 40,000 people are expected to gather at Sundance Square. People from all branches of emergency services, along with staff from Visit Fort Worth and Sundance Square, have held several meetings about public safety for the event.
Sundance Square Security Director Ed Kraus said preparations are underway to handle the massive crowd. The security team is comprised of off-duty former police officers and Tarrant County sheriffs, who have been working closely with Kraus and his officers to ensure safety. Kraus shared with WFAA his best advice for people planning to attend the celebration Tuesday night.
“My top advice would be to come early. The crowds are going to swell as the evening goes on. And then, you know, between 10:30 and midnight, it’s going to be really crowded,” said Ed Kraus. “We are restricting coolers, lawn chairs and other bulky items like that.”
Fort Worth Police Department has increased patrols downtown and citywide for New Year’s Eve. Officers are warning against celebratory gunfire and drunk driving.
“If you’re going to partake in drinking that evening, please plan ahead. Please, please, delegate or find someone or a way home, a safe way at home so that you’re not drinking and driving because we will be out in full force for that also,” said FWPD’s Brad Perez. “Find someone who you can kiss at midnight rather than shooting your guns in the air.”
Last New Year’s Eve, 47 people were arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated in Tarrant County. District Attorney Phil Sorrells emphasized there is no excuse for impaired driving.
“Have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. There are no excuses for getting behind the wheel intoxicated,” Phil Sorrells said.
Organizers also advised that attendees should report any suspicious activity immediately. People are also being advised to be patient when the event ends at 1:00 a.m. as thousands of people are leaving downtown so everyone gets home safely.