DAYTON -- It's a sign of Spring, an eclectic time for the city of Dayton, Urban Nights. More than 100 organizations, businesses and restaurants will be participating in the event Friday night.
The family friendly event will give you an opportunity to explore various restaurants, art galleries and other nightlife in downtown Dayton.
"Many of our businesses featured are small businesses and you put two urban nights together and it's their busiest time of the year," said Sandy Gudorf, President of Downtown Dayton Partnership.
More than 30,000 people are expected this year.when the event started 11 years ago, the event only drew about 400.
The heavy crowds have prompted extra security.
"They'll be out strong just keeping an eye on things and then we have our downtown ambassadors," said Gudorf. "They're out as well giving people directions and will be an extra set of eyes for the Dayton Police.
However, downtown Dayton has come a long way. Many people who live here aren't worried when events that draw large crowds happen in downtown Dayton.
"If I didn't feel safe I wouldn't bring my grandchildren," said Romona Chapel, from Dayton.
"I'm always alert when I come downtown and if I see something that doesn't look right I go in the other direction," said another resident.
Gudorf met with the Chief of Police to develop a security plan. We're told three dozen extra officers will on the streets. Many concentrating on St.Clair, the area of Main and Jefferson and the Oregon District.
The event runs Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Police stress if you do see something out of the ordinary to report it by calling 937-333-COPS.
The family friendly event will give you an opportunity to explore various restaurants, art galleries and other nightlife in downtown Dayton.
"Many of our businesses featured are small businesses and you put two urban nights together and it's their busiest time of the year," said Sandy Gudorf, President of Downtown Dayton Partnership.
More than 30,000 people are expected this year.when the event started 11 years ago, the event only drew about 400.
The heavy crowds have prompted extra security.
"They'll be out strong just keeping an eye on things and then we have our downtown ambassadors," said Gudorf. "They're out as well giving people directions and will be an extra set of eyes for the Dayton Police.
However, downtown Dayton has come a long way. Many people who live here aren't worried when events that draw large crowds happen in downtown Dayton.
"If I didn't feel safe I wouldn't bring my grandchildren," said Romona Chapel, from Dayton.
"I'm always alert when I come downtown and if I see something that doesn't look right I go in the other direction," said another resident.
Gudorf met with the Chief of Police to develop a security plan. We're told three dozen extra officers will on the streets. Many concentrating on St.Clair, the area of Main and Jefferson and the Oregon District.
The event runs Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Police stress if you do see something out of the ordinary to report it by calling 937-333-COPS.
