Safety top of mind for Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office ahead of Harley-Davidson's 120th anniversary celebration
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We're just one day away from the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival kick-off.
All summer long, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) works with police and park officials to maintain large gatherings like the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival.
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle company turns 120 this year, and they're expecting thousands of people to hit the lakefront between Thursday, July 13 and Sunday, July 16.
While the stage has been going up for over a week at Veterans Park, the MCSO has been prepping for months.
"We started in April-- having meetings with Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire, DOT and the Parks Department to make sure we have enough traffic egresses and ingresses for people to get in and out of the event pretty frequently," said Captain Michael Krznarich with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
One employee at the Milwaukee Harley-Davidson dealership says they're expecting upwards of 300,000 bikes to roll through the city this weekend.
That number could be even higher at the Homecoming festival Friday and Saturday at Veterans Park.
"It is a big event, you're going to have a lot of people internationally coming into Wisconsin, and the city, for the first time, so we want to have enough staffing so they can enjoy their selves and safely enjoy Harley Fest," said Captain Krznarich.
In addition to Milwaukee police officers and private security hired by Harley, the MCSO plans to have about 30 deputies in the city every day, Thursday through Sunday.
"We'll have people on golf carts, bicycles, marked squads, and of course motorcycles," said Captain Krznarich.
There will be no way to avoid motorcycles for those driving in the city or on the interstate. Krznarich says there is extra signage out warning people to watch out for bikes. And even those familiar with the streets may be thrown off by construction or road closures.
"Slow down, let them [motorcycles] pass, be mindful of them," Krznarich.
There will be a parade on Sunday to wrap up the Homecoming weekend. It starts at 10 a.m.
