PUEBLO WEST — 20,000 people are expected to flood the streets of Pueblo West for Thursday's Wet N' Wild Parade, and the district is taking extra precaution this year to make sure it's a safe event for everyone.
Two years ago, there were complaints about people tossing frozen balloons and putting chemicals in the water, but the Pueblo West Metro District says extra security worked last year and they will have extra security this year too.
12 deputies with Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and 18 private security officers will be overseeing the event.
The 10th Judicial District Attorney's office will also have staff there to help book people if necessary.
And even firefighters that will be in the actual parade will still keep an eye out.
"We're very, very safety conscious. We're very aware," said Chief Brian Caserta with Pueblo West Fire Department.
"We keep a very watchful eye. Every fire truck in the parade watches the parade-goers."
"Really, what we're looking for is, you know, people that are you know, throwing frozen water balloons, or using like - putting agents, different things in the water, so like salt water," described Jay-Michael Baker, the spokesperson for the Pueblo West Metropolitan District
The Pueblo West Metro District says they've been planning this event for the past four months.
They say there might be a slightly smaller turnout this year because the Pueblo West Rotary Club will not be hosting its 4th of July Red, White & Brew Festival.
So events will be limited to the Annual Liberty 5k Race and the Wet Parade itself.
The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 10 a.m.
