Heavy doses of anxiety, security and elation greeted the imminent arrival of 2018 in Las Vegas. A crowd of 330,000 visitors was expected to fill the Strip and Fremont Street downtown, as a record contingent of law enforcement officers kept the peace. This year’s massive outdoor party unfolded in the shadow of the Oct. 1 mass shooting that left 58 people dead. Several people said they came to celebrate in spite of what happened three months ago Monday.
Security patrolling the Las Vegas Strip on New Year’s Eve.
People around the world and locals gather around the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
People across Las Vegas celebrate the upcoming New Year on the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street.
Scott Dykstra, 23, weaves around revelers on the Las Vegas Strip on New Year’s Eve as Marc Belizario shoots for a music video.
A reminder for those heading out to New Year’s Eve parties tonight: The Strip and the roads leading to have closed. On-ramps and off-ramps to Interstate 15 just west of the Strip were also closed at 5 p.m. at Spring Mountain Road, Flamingo Road and Tropicana Avenue. Police will start clearing out vehicle traffic along the Strip at 6:15 p.m.
The Rape Crisis Center is reminding holiday revelers to stay safe and aware as they head to New Year’s Eve celebrations across the valley. As part of its “Party Smart” campaign, the center is reminding people planning to go out to arrive together, stay together and leave together. When the party ends, make sure you leave with everyone who came with you, the center said. Don’t let intoxicated friends leave with strangers and use licensed and labeled transportation services to get home.
