At Zozobra, a perfect storm rained down

The 94th annual Burning of Zozobra seemed to be unfolding with its usual flare despite rain and lightning — until the end, that is. Lines at the security gates started backing up — personnel did not have time to search backpacks and bags properly without delays. New rains threatened, prompting organizers to move up the start time for the burning. Eventually, between 1,500 and 2,000 people stuck at the gates did not make it to see Zozobra; their nights were spoiled.

Now, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe has both explanations to make — which leaders are doing, with no excuses — and decisions about how to organize this massive event going forward.

At the 2018 Zozobra, a number of things went wrong, all at the same time. The security searches, the unpredictable weather, the lack of a communications and then the decision to change the start time all collided, creating an unpleasant experience for those who were shut out.

Zozobra event organizer Ray Sandoval says all those who did not make it in will get refunds, as well as tickets to next year’s event. For people who traveled to Santa Fe for the event, there will be free or discounted rooms at a future date. To the extent that they can, Kiwanis leaders want to make this right.

They also are looking at what happened to build in better contingencies for the future. Sandoval admitted that the decision to allow backpacks — something Zozobra organizers did because of public demand — was a mistake. So many people carried in bags that lines started backing up early in the night; that led security personnel at the gates to increase the backpack lines. That decision, however, was carried out poorly. All lines were open to backpack carriers; as a result, delays happened at every one of the entry points. The intent was to reserve some entry stations for people carrying nothing. That didn’t happen.

Normally, someone would have called in to Sandoval to report the problem; however, by the time the lines choked, the communications channel had been restricted to weather only.

For a time, it was unclear whether Zozobra could actually burn. Organizers and emergency personnel were discussing how, or if, they might have to evacuate the field. The first squall of rain had passed, and a second cell of weather was spotted, so Sandoval made the decision to move up the burn. That left people stranded in line.

Right about then, Sandoval learned that hundreds were stuck outside, and he asked that anyone without a bag or backpack be let through. However, because the lines were mixed up, that process did not go smoothly. Sandoval was adamant, and rightly so, that no backpacks get on the field without being examined. All gates were then closed, shutting out anyone who had not passed through security.

All of this was happening while an estimated 62,000-plus people were enjoying both the rain, the lightning show in the sky and the shorter lead-up to the actual burn — which, as it almost always is, was spectacular.

But the trouble at the gate is a serious black mark that cannot be allowed to occur again. The problems this year came because of allowing backpacks. Next year, there will be no backpacks.

However, organizers need to discuss whether even without backpacks, the event might be on the verge of being too large. Zozobra is nearing maximum capacity. Limiting tickets sold in the future might be necessary for the safety of all involved.

What happened Friday at Zozobra, while frightening and unfortunate, gives planners an opportunity to improve this beloved event. No one was injured, and by examining what went wrong, organizers can make this event safer and more secure. They are reacting properly by apologizing, offering refunds and most of all, refusing to make excuses for the failures. Now, do it better next year.