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"People heading to Independence Day celebrations in the Kansas City area Thursday evening see some tighter security.During the biggest holiday since April's bombings at the Boston Marathon, authorities said they don't want to leave anything to chance, especially with large crowds in close spaces.Kansas City Mayor Sly James said there would be extra people on hand during the city's fireworks show at Berkley Riverfront Park.\"We have plenty of officers who are here, we have the fire department here to render first aid,\" James said. \"And then we have to just rely on people to be smart and vigilant. If there is something that they see that doesn't look right, report it immediately.\"Between 20,000-30,000 people are expected to attend the celebration. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security advised organizers of large events to err on the side of caution with events this size.\"In this world right now, we can't afford to be lackadaisical about safety,\" James said.\u00A0Kansas City Manager Troy Schulte said there would be more extensive searches of bags than in past years.\"We go by the police, we go by what they suggest,\" said event producer Keli Wenzel. \"We've got some different barricade options, and we have just got everyone on alert. The thing we say is, 'The public is your alert.'\"\"Nothing like everybody having an extra set of eyes and ears, just watching,\" said Schulte. \"If something looks weird, we'll respond accordingly.\"Fear didn't keep people away, but some people said security did cross their minds.\"A\u00A0little bit, especially since we are from a smaller city,\" said Andrea Pierson of St. Joseph. \"I really like the fact that there was a fence all the way around, that added a little more security.\"\"No worries. Everyone down here is friendly and ready to enjoy the Fourth of July,\" said Dyisha Starr.Parking was another concern at RiverFest. Organizers advised people to park at the City Market and downtown and take the free shuttle to the park from Third Street and Grand Boulevard."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.kmbc.com/article/security-tightens-for-kc-s-riverfest/3676881>