When the Westport Art Fair kicks off Friday afternoon, expect more security in the entertainment district.
The38th annual event should bring thousands of visitors to Westport during the day.
Mostly late-night shootings and violence have plagued the district where bars remain open until 3 a.m. on weekends.
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Organizers of the art fair said extra officers from Westport Public Safety will be on the grounds around the clock.
They’ll keep a close watch on crowds and the booths artists and vendors leave in place for three days.
“Many of [the officers] have been here for this event and they know what is normal, what goes on, what to watch for, and all that,” explained Tia Simpson with the Westport Regional Business League.
A spokesperson from the Kansas City Police Department said officers who aren't responding to calls will patrol the area.
Beginning early Friday morning, event staff will close streets to vehicle traffic for the fair. Westport Road will be shut down between Mill Street and Broadway. Pennsylvania will be closed one block north and south of Westport Road.
On weekend nights, the district closes roughly the same streets between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Business owners in the district have proposed privatizing the roads during those hours. That would allow security to screen people for weapons before they could enter the private roads.
“We don't feel like this an environment, with how many people who flock down to Westport every weekend, that there should be weapons,” explained Colleen Kelly at Kelly’s Westport Inn. “The safety of our customers is our number one concern and we feel like this is the solution to that.”
But last month, the Westport Regional Business League pulled the proposal from a city committee meeting. There is no timetable on when the idea will go back to the city for consideration.
“I don't think it's something that we're going to give up on, so we’re hopeful for sure,” Kelly added.
What makes the Westport Art Fair unique is it features strictly artists from the Kansas City area. The event also includes live music from local bands.
The event begins at 1 p.m. Friday. It is free to enter the fair where you can purchase work directly from the artists.
Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 — 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
