UPDATE 12/16:
Winterhaven HOA president Mike Morales says the vehicle that hit two people Saturday night was one of the hayride vehicles.
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights has been around for 75 years, bringing in thousands of families from all over Southern Arizona every year.
“I like how the neighborhood gets together and all do it together. It’s really kind of cool,” festival attendee Greg Golden said.
On Saturday night on the 2900 block of East Kleindale Road, the Tucson Police Department said two people got hit by a vehicle.
They said no one was arrested and no one was drunk. They said one of the persons hit was under the age of 18.
The Tucson Fire Department said they took two people to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Morales says more safety measures are being added in the wake of the accident.
“We’re going to add probably as many as 16 people walking along the sides,” Morales said about the rides. “That keeps people from darting across in front and it also lets people know that we’re coming through.”
He said in addition to adding one person on each side of the hayrides, the hayrides are going to slow down and shorten their routes. He said they previously drove at about five miles an hour, but now they are going to go even slower.
A partner that works with the hayrides confirmed they are taking those safety measures. She said her heart goes out to those that were hit and said they just want people riding to enjoy themselves.
On Sunday the hayrides were closed, but Monday they were back in business.
“We always felt very safe walking through here. Actually, [they] did away with the drive-throughs a few years ago and so now I don’t think there’s any problem with walking through here,” festival attendee Connie Hester said.
Morales said cars aren’t allowed to drive through the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, but he said they have trolleys for people that are handicapped.
Morales said they’re not increasing police or security but said they already have three security companies and about two to four police officers.
“They do a good job of patrolling and policing the cars coming in here,” festival attendee Tony Garth said.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Two pedestrians were hit Saturday in the Winterhaven neighborhood, according to Tucson police.
One of the pedestrians was a minor. No serious injuries were reported.
Information is limited at this time. Stay up to date with the latest updates on KGUN 9.
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