Philly Nightlife District Shut Down Due to Crowds

Police in Philadelphia shut down 11 blocks of a popular nightlife district after thousands of young people threatened to overwhelm the area.

The crowds apparently swelled Saturday night amidst rumors of the Greek Picnic, a once annual event that drew members of black college fraternities and sororities to the city, surfaced, Spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore said. Local teenagers unaffiliated with the gathering often flock to South Street afterward.

There was no Greek Picnic this year and a substitute event was unable to secure a venue, according to the Inquirer.

After the street was shut down between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday with the help of mounted officers, part of the crowd estimated at up to 20,000 people headed towards Broad Street, prompting reports of disturbances there.

The problems were relatively minor, resulting in 15 arrests for summary offenses such as disorderly conduct and underage drinking, Vanore said.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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