James T. Akagi
The Secret City Festival will have tighter security at the Friday and Saturday night concerts this year, and visitors could experience a few delays as organizers try to make the shows safer, a press release said.
No backpacks or coolers will be allowed into the concert site, and all bags will be subject to search, the release said.
“In light of recent events, we’re being extra vigilant in our protection of our attendees, staff, and the community during the festival concerts,” Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said.
The press release said visitors should expect delays if they carry in anything that needs to be searched. Organizers suggest festival attendees only bring their concert tickets, money for food, an identification to buy or consume beer, and a chair for the concerts. Once inside the concert site, festival seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The concert site opens at 5:30 pm.
Attendees should also be aware that there is no parking on site at the festival. Visitors can park at the City Center and take a free shuttle over to the festival grounds. For a map of available parking near the Secret City Festival, please visit www.secretcityfestival.com/festival-411/parking.
The 11th annual Secret City Festival is presented by the City of Oak Ridge, the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Arts Council of Oak Ridge. The festival features World War II displays and memorabilia, special events at the American Museum of Science and Energy, a children’s area, arts and crafts vendors, the Living History demonstration, “A Salute to Soldiers,” and nationally known concert entertainment.
Knoxville-native rock band The Dirty Guv’nahs will perform Friday June 21 at 7 p.m. The concert also features Soul Candy and The Traffic Jam as the opening act.
Grammy Award-winning rock icon Rick Springfield is the headline entertainer on Saturday, June 22 at 7 p.m. American Idol contestant Casey Abrams will serve as the opening act.
Tickets for the festival concerts are $20 each and may be purchased online at www.secretcityfestival.com, by phone at (865) 482-4432, or in person at the Oak Ridge Civic Center at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
Kay Williamson says
I am really proud of this chief, I have seen alot of good changes, some officers seem happier with their jobs, and then some seem unhappy, i guess you get both happy and sad, I like the changes to the neighborhoods, i see the cars parked around the city where officers live, knowing their in our communities and neighbors makes us feel like their on our side now. They live here too. I also think more community involvement is better,, And he patrols the streets too, he is a hands on officer,,,