BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Parrot Heads show off their garb at Buffett's Riverbend concert.
(Michael Snyder photo)
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Parrot Heads, pop music and police were the motifs Friday night as a weekend of music and festivals was launched in Cincinnati. One thing was evident at each of the main events -- from downtown's Coors Light Festival and Ujima Cinci-bration to Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band's concert at Riverbend Music Center -- many out-of-state residents were taking in Cincinnati.
"It's a great place to be and have fun," said Jake Quisenberry, a 38-year-old school teacher from Lexington amid a sea of Hawaiian shirts at Riverbend. "This is a whole way of life for the people out here. You go out, and you have a good time with people you've never met before."
Organizers of the three events made extra efforts to attract residents from outside Greater Cincinnati. The Regional Tourism Partnership launched a marketing campaign called "Hot Fun In The Summertime" that was geared toward attracting black visitors. Many of the people sitting around Fountain Square said the city's strategy made them feel welcome.
"Everyone I've seen out here has been great," said Kathy Jacobs, from Reading, Pa. "This is a diverse crowd, and that's what I think we'd all like to see."
Venders set up shop at the Ujima Cinci-bration on 5th Street.
(Ryan Miller photo)
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Still, events of last year were on the minds of many Cincinnatians. One man was shot and killed and more than 90 people were arrested downtown during an all-night street celebration after the 1997 Coors Light Festival. Police presence was beefed up this year and many more streets were blocked off to prevent a recurrence of the violence.
But Cincinnati resident Lamar Billups found the additional force unnecessary.
"You can just look around and see that people are behaving," said Mr. Billups, 22, of English Woods. "No one wants the problems that we had last year, and I think the people who walk around here will keep the peace on their own."
About 150 officers were working Friday in the downtown area, and at least 100 more were on deck should problems arise. It is the largest special-events security detail of the year, exceeding Riverfest, Jammin' on Main and Oktoberfest.
Cinci-bration was organized as an answer to last year's chaos, said Teneisha Smith, a Cinci-bration volunteer.
An estimated 100,000 people are expected to pack the streets during the three days of events that include music, dancing and food.
"So many people come here, and we know that we need to make sure it's a safe event for everyone," Ms. Smith said. "We're encouraging people to keep their cool and not be violent."
Sonya Buchanan, of Alanta, cheers as Brian McKnight take sthe stage at Cinergy field.
(Steven M. Herppich photo)
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Meanwhile, droves of fans were heading to Cinergy Field to enjoy a night of music from singers such as Patti LaBelle and Keith Sweat. The mild weather, mixed with thousands of fans, made it a night to remember.
"I love all of this -- it's almost like you can't get enough," said Todd Davidson, 36, an Indianapolis resident who said traffic was his biggest concern. "Outside of all the blocked roads, there isn't a better place to enjoy yourself and the people around you."
The mood was similar at Riverbend, where Mr. Buffett played to a sold-out crowd. Hula skirts, parrot hats and margaritas colored the crowd. But watching Mr. Buffett's fans was the most entertaining part of the night for 21-year-old Farah Harris.
"You definitely get people from all walks of life out here," said Ms. Harris, a West Virginia resident attending her first Buffett concert. "I'm glad I'm here, though, because these people sure know how to have a party."
Two more days of street celebrations and concerts at Cinergy Field are scheduled. And more out-of-town residents are expected. "I'm getting out here again sometime," said Vince Spann, a 22-year-old from Pontiac, Mich. "Why wouldn't people from all over the country not come?
"It's the best atmosphere I've seen out here in years."
