Safety ramps up for Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial parade a year after crash

GALLUP, N.M. — A year after an alleged drunk driver drove a vehicle through the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial parade and injured 15 people, officials are ramping up safety as this year’s gathering begins Thursday.

Two parades will take place during the 101st Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial. The first parade begins Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m.

Authorities will clear and close the roads along the parade route from 2-11 p.m. Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

The Gallup Police Department and other law enforcement agencies will work with vehicle owners to move vehicles before the parades begin. However, any vehicles parked along the route during the closure will be towed at the owner’s expense.

During the closures, no one will be able to drive to businesses along the route. You must park outside of the perimeter and walk to those businesses.

The City of Gallup also wants people to not block roads, driveways and intersections if they park in a nearby neighborhood.

The suspect in the crash, Jeff Irving, has no upcoming hearings set in his case.

MORE: