Cleveland’s annual WinterLand Tree Lighting Festival is set to bring holiday cheer to Public Square this Saturday, but safety measures have been significantly increased following an incident at last year’s event.
The 2023 celebration was disrupted when a fight among teenagers escalated into gunfire, injuring two teens. In response, city officials, police, and event organizers have implemented a robust security plan aimed at ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees this year.
Visitors to the festival can expect a heightened police presence, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling the event. Additional surveillance cameras will monitor activity throughout Public Square, and organizers are encouraging attendees to report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
The WinterLand Festival, which runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, features a variety of festive activities, including fireworks, food trucks, ice skating, and the highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony.
City officials and organizers are confident that the new safety measures will provide a secure environment, allowing the community to fully enjoy this cherished holiday tradition.