Harrisburg, Pa. - Harrisburg Police want visitors to know, public safety is a priority during American MusicFest 2009.  The three day event got underway Friday afternoon at Riverfront Park.

"It's extremely safe," said Police Captain Pierre Ritter.  "We have a large contingent of officers down there, in addition to the officers who are out on the street on patrol."

Ritter said fifteen officers would be patrolling the festival grounds through the weekend.  The increased patrols come in the wake of of a series of shootings in the city.  Police have made some arrests recently, and that's helped to stem the violence.

Visitors told abc 27 News they had no second thoughts about attending MusicFest this year.

"If there were more shootings within the last week, I might have thought twice about coming down," said Nobale Hutchins of Camp Hill.

"I don't feel it's a concern," said Rick Plowman, a food vendor from Hershey.  "There's enough police officers down here.  They do a great job."

American MusicFest 2009 runs through Sunday night.  The hours are noon to 10pm each day.

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