When Is a Flash Mob Not a Good Thing?

An Associated Content article by Tony Payne brings a new consideration into the mix about forming flash mobs in public places.  Do you remember the flash mob which broke out singing the Hallelujah Chorus at the shopping mall in Canada? ("A Surprise at the Food Court, 30 Nov 2010 on this blog, click on flash mobs label below)  Well, it happened again, this time in Roseville, California, but almost had a disastrous result.

The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra organized the event but failed to consider that, unlike the event in Canada, the entire community knew about this singing beforehand, and they all wanted to be involved.  The flash mob in Canada involved about about six people and the mall business manager; the people in the food court joined in in delight.  The community response in Roseville  resulted in a crowd of over 5000.

The 5000 persons crowded into the Roseville Galleria, a facility not designed to handle that many people at one time.  Everyone was excited until the second floor suspended food court started to move and shake and make popping sounds.  The local authorities safely evacuated the mall and the singing was carried outside.

Before anyone does this again they need to plan a bit better.  If a large crowd is expected, the event should be held in a park or a stadium.  If it is the flash mob experience that the organizers are seeking,  then the number of people who know about the event in advance should be held to a minimum.  And, unless the organizers wish to take a chance on being arrested for trespassing,  they need to secure prior permission from the manager of the facility.