Some Newburgh residents are fearful that an upcoming celebration in their city will attract the wrong type of crowd.

A celebration for Mexican Independence Day will occur in the city at Delano Hitch Park over the weekend. According to some children in the neighborhood, at least 14 local gangs exist. Rumors have been spreading that these gangs will attend the event to settle their differences in a violent manner.

One former gang member, Leopoldo Moreno, is leading a gang violence prevention campaign. Moreno urges city hall to provide options for children not to join gangs.