MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Monday night, tens of thousands are expected to pack the Beale Street entertainment district to ring in 2013 with live music and the Hard Rock Café Guitar Drop.
Memphis police say they're used to big events on Beale, so no worries; New Year's Eve will be business as usual with extra officers on hand.
Beale Street merchants are expecting this year's party to be even bigger than last year, so security is a top priority.
According to John Shivers with the Beale Street Entertainment District, "There's going to be temporary police and fire headquarters temporarily stationed on different parts throughout the street during that New Year's weekend."
The new Memphis police precinct substation on Beale Street will even be open for the first time. Plus Club Crave, with its history of violence, has been shut down by the cops.
"Well this is my first visit to Memphis so I don't know what their current security measures are, but I don't think you can be too careful," noted tourist Anne Addison.
At midnight the Hard Rock Café Guitar Drop will take place, which includes 13 bands and a fireworks display to bring in 2013.
If you plan on celebrating by watching the guitar drop, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint.
"At all of our checkpoints on the streets we metal detect and wand for weapons," Shivers said. "That includes knives and guns coming on the street and we turn people away if they do have such contrabanded items."
Memphian Roy Dupree isn't worried. "You couldn't be in a safer place down here, you come down here at night and see the police presence and security walking around; I mean I feel safe with whatever cash I carry, I've been coming down here for 20 years and never had a problem."
This year will be the 5th anniversary of the New Year's Eve Guitar Drop on Beale.
