AMHERST — In keeping with a yearly tradition, University of Massachusetts students roamed the streets on Saturday, wearing Celtics jerseys and St. Patrick’s Day-themed apparel in celebration of Blarney Blowout, an event kicking off spring break.
Heightened police presence in town and added precautions by university officials seemed to quell the destructive behavior that had marked celebrations in years past, most notably in 2014 when there were 55 arrests and police resorted to using pepper spray on rowdy crowds.
“Yet again, the combined efforts of the town, university and mutual aid partners have ensured the safety of our community,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “The careful planning has deterred any significant issues throughout the course of the day.”
The university set policies for the weekend aimed at curbing the number of guests allowed on campus.
Residents of dorms were allowed a total of four guests, and all had to be students attending UMass. There was a large police presence at off-campus apartments, such as the Townehouse, Puffton Village and Crestview.
Amherst police were assisted by several local police departments, including Holyoke, Easthampton and Chicopee, and reported two arrests by 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. One arrest was for disorderly conduct and another for a liquor violation.
Police also responded to three disturbances and two large gatherings on Saturday, according to university spokeswoman Mary Dettloff. Repeated requests Sunday afternoon to both Amherst Police and UMass Police Department to view Saturday’s police logs were not granted by press time.
The fire department reported six ambulance calls, one on campus and five off campus, Dettloff said. Four patients were transported to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for alcohol-related issues.
At the Old Towne Tavern, a “malicious” false fire alarm was pulled, and the facility was evacuated despite there being no fire, according to the fire department. No injuries were reported.
The annual Mullins Live! concert, which coincides with “Blarney,” featured hip-hop acts Future, Gunna and Ty Dolla Sign for UMass students only.
Dettloff said that more than 2,400 students attended the concert. Four students were treated by UMass EMS, two for minor injuries and two for alcohol-related issues. No students were transported by ambulance from Mullins, and no arrests were made at the concert.
Luis Fieldman can be reached at lfieldman@gazettenet.com