KIRTLAND, Ohio — In the aftermath of violent events at several community festivals in Northeast Ohio, the Kirtland Police Department has announced new safety procedures for this weekend's Kiwanis Strawberry Festival.
The festival, which will take place from Thursday-Saturday at Kirtland Schools on Route 306, has been a "staple in the Kirtland community since 1960." But due to criminal activity that has occurred at festivals in nearby communities, many of which have involved juveniles, police are instituting new rules.
In a release shared on the department's Facebook page, Kirtland Police Chief Brian McCallister announced that "given recent events at local festivals, minors residing outside of the school district and not belonging to any faith-based organizations within the city of Kirtland should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian."
Also, McCallister says all festivalgoers will be subject to being searched prior to entering the event. The search may include "a light pat down or the use of a metal detecting wand, including emptying pockets and bags, and having your items examined.
Here is the complete list of new rules for the Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival:
- No illegal or illicit substances, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
- No weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, pocket knives and self-defense sprays
- No hoods or face masks will be worn in the venue unless medically necessary
- No minors residing outside the Kirtland Local School District will be admitted without a parent or legal guardian
- No flammable items or liquids including aerosols and fireworks
- No markers, pens or spray paint
- No outside food or beverage including alcohol
- No bottles, cans, canteens, flasks, or coolers
- No animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and are not permitted entry to the Event.
- No laser pens, laser pointers, or similar focused light devices
- Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of law enforcement or security officials.
"Police will be working the festival and also have additional presence in the city. Any disorderly or turbulent behavior, whether juvenile or adult, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," McCallister added.
Examples of violence at recent Northeast Ohio festivals include gunshots being fired at the Macedonia Summerfest last weekend, leading to the the mayor of Macedonia announcing that the city would be pausing all of its seasonal "fests."
Also last weekend, deputies in Lake County made four arrests at the annual festival at St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township after "numerous altercations" contributed to an "increasingly volatile atmosphere."
The previous weekend, police departments in Mayfield Heights and Lyndhurst dealt with a series of incidents involving juveniles at Saint Clare Community Days. While Lyndhurst police say they detained a suspect with a handgun with an extended magazine fitted with an automatic switch, Mayfield Heights police arrested 10 juveniles amid violent behavior that forced several nearby businesses to close.
"I think these church festivals are a thing of the past," Mayfield Heights Police Chief Anthony Mele wrote in his department's release. "They've become a gather place for unruly juvenile behavior. The money generated by the churches is not worth risking the safety of the public."
Previous Reporting:
- 'Stupidity': Macedonia pausing seasonal festivals after shots fired at Summerfest, mayor announces
- Lake County church festival shut down early after 'numerous altercations' break out among youths
- 'I think these church festivals are a thing of the past': Mayfield Heights chief speaks out following several arrests at Saint Clare Community Days