Preparations are in full swing for the 35th annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally this weekend at Otsiningo Park in the Town of Dickinson.

This year, organizers are facing heightened concern about security coming immediately on the heels of the deadly shooting at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California on July 28.

Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
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Broome Security and other government officials are assuring visitors that safety and security considerations have been taken into account with County Executive Jason Garnar even being quoted as saying the festival will be about the safest place in Broome County this weekend.

The festival website states: “All backpacks and any bag or container larger than 14 by 14 by 16 are prohibited from entering the festival grounds. All visitors will be subject to security screening and inspection of approved bags or other items carried in. Broome County Charter and Code prohibits the possession of any firearm, alcohol, illegal substance, or dangerous weapon on park property.”

The shooter in the weekend incident in California apparently made his way through a fenced-off area and began randomly shooting into festival-goers, killing three before he was shot to death by law enforcement officials.

Broome County’s Spiedie Fest begins with free admission on Friday evening.  Tickets for the entire run of the festival are $20 dollars until August 2 and are good for all the concerts.  Daily gate admission is $5 with children under the age of 8 free.

The park opens at 6 a.m. August 3 & 4 for balloon launches.

More information on the festival, balloon launches and musical performances can be found at www.spiediefest.com.

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