Another weekend and another big unpermitted gathering in the Red River District. But unlike the Huntington and Humor event there were fights and injuries.
The Friday night event was a gathering after the Booker T. Washington football game. Evidently a promoter was denied a permit for the event because a certificate of insurance was not provided.
This event was advertised on social media as Rhythyms (sic) on the Red. It was centered at G-Spot, a bar owned by Chelette Holden.
The fight led to an emergency room visit and 14 stitches in a young lady’s face. There were NO Shreveport Police officers at the event.
Reportedly the crowd numbered approximately 900.
Later that night/early Sat. morning there were several fights at and in front of Haze On Texas. This time SPD was called, and several persons were tased and then arrested.
This bar is also owned by Holden, who is a board member of the Downtown Development District.
Unpermitted events like the Huntington and Harmony and Rhythyms on the Red can be advertised on social media with no restraints. Once the word is out, people will attend with no regard as to whether or not SPAR has sanctioned the event.
The Red River District is owned by the City of Shreveport. If the City had knowledge that an event was been advertised seemingly the City has responsibility for some degree of safety of the persons attending—especially if a permit was not obtained. The responsibilities of the event promoters and the owners of the establishments involved in the events is a determination that may need judicial interpretation as well as that of the City.