ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – The Midwest Wingfest in Fairview Heights was shut down early Saturday night after various disturbances were reported nearby the festival.
The Midwest Wingfest was a volunteer event designed to raise money for combat-wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes, and first responders.
Festival management decided to shut the festival down early after police say several incidents occurred in and outside the event involving juveniles. At night, festival organizers attempted to control juvenile access by only allowing entry with a family member.
According to Fairview Heights Police, there were reports of juveniles jumping over the fence when they were denied entry to the event, fights ensuing outside the fence lines, and several gunshots being heard.
There were no injuries reported at the event. Police say two people were arrested at the event for fighting, and several juveniles were pepper sprayed for not complying with officers.
The shutdown comes in the midst of the ‘Q in the Lou’ barbeque festival being shut down due to safety concerns.
Wingfest organizers took extra measures to provide safety at the event by paying for extra police officers, deploying drones, and having fencing and cameras installed throughout the event.
