BENTONVILLE (KFSM) -- With the second annual Bentonville Film Festival underway, many are expected to fill the Bentonville Square for events related to the festival. The Bentonville Film Festival decided to have most events centered around the square, in hope of keeping visitors engaged with the festival.
The Bentonville Police Department said they increased patrol for the remainder of the week, in hope of making it more secure. Also, they said patrol officers planned to close several roads near the square.
“If you are not participating in one of the events, or in the Bentonville Film Festival, right now start thinking of alternate routes, so you can avoid the downtown area,” said Gene Page, spokesman for the Bentonville Police Department.
Page said the department planned to keep Central Ave. open throughout the festival.
Police also encourage those attending the festival to not bring many items with them.
“If they have a backpack, purse, or large bag, keep that close to them," Page said. "Similar to what you would exercise in an airport, keep those things close to you."
Police said they will have officers on patrol in vehicles, on foot, and on bicycles.