After months of uncertainty about its future, the prevailing attitude at the Bessie Smith Strut on Monday evening was one of “wait and see.”
Attendees and vendors alike expressed mixed feelings about numerous changes this year, including ubiquitous perimeter fencing and thorough screening of guests and their bags at a trio of guarded entrances.
Some said these changes made the event feel safer, even if the traditionally free event now charged $10 to those without a Riverbend pin.
“Nothing is free,” said Benny Whitten, 72, as he sat with his wife, Mary, on a sidewalk near the King Street entrance.
“This is what they should have done when they started out,” Whitten added. “Some people don’t want to pay, so they stay away. See how nice it is now?”