I just finished reading a press release providing information about this year's Fiesta and and details regarding the newly relocated Carnival.  For those who might have missed that last point, the Carnival was relocated from its prior location across from Market Square to the Lot C of the Alamodome.  This was to accomodate a need for more room for growth of the Carnival in years to come.

The release provided information about crime in and around the Carnival and information on alcohol related issues associated with Fiesta. Aside from a stabbing death that occurred as the Carnival was closing one night, crime in and around the Carnival was down from prior years.  This is attributed to the ability to control and contain the Carnival with increased police presence at the entrances and throughout the Carnival.  That resulted in a 66 percent reduction in crime associated with the Carnival.  Officials are also reporting that next year will result in improvements in the overall safey plan based on lessons learned from this year's Carnival.

With regards to alcohol, proactive work by the Fiesta Commission and event organizers help provide a decrease in underage drinking at many Fiesta events.  Throughout the year TABC provided seminars and workshops for organizations to help control and manage underage drinking.  This proactive work, sponsored by the Fiesta Commission, helped organizations educate their staff and volunteers on proper procedures and things to watch for.

That's great news for Fiesta 2008 and can only provide a great foundation for future Fiesta years as staff, law enforcement and volunteers take the lessons of the past Fiesta and develop improvements for next year's Fiesta.  It also helps point towards a safer Fiesta for everyone to enjoy.