WEST ALLIS — GreekFest, the annual church festival held at State Fair Park, closed early Sunday and had no rides open.
The move comes after Wisconsin State Fair Police say there were multiple fights Saturday night, creating a chaotic situation and causing the festival to close early.
In an updated statement on Sunday, State Fair Park officials say four people were arrested and many more were ejected on Saturday night. The statement goes on to say:
"State Fair Park Police, with assistance from the Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and West Allis Police Departments, worked diligently for hours to identify the individuals who were instigating and participating in the fights. Thank you to all of the officers who ultimately helped get the situation under control.
Due to recent, often tragic, events in our community, we worked closely with Greek Fest organizers to implement several new safety and security measures for this year’s event, including the use of metal detectors at the entrances.
However, what should have been a fun-filled evening for thousands of people who came together to celebrate Greek culture with their families and friends, was unfortunately ruined by groups of people who feel the need to congregate for the sole purpose of causing chaos. It is disappointing and disheartening that these people find pleasure in ruining events that are supposed to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community."
Organizers issued this statement:
After a group of individuals today created a chaotic situation at Greek Fest, officers from the State Fair Park Police Department and the Milwaukee Police Department intervened and made multiple arrests. The Greek Fest chairmen made the decision to close early for the safety of both guests and volunteers. Greek Fest would like to thank the State Fair Park Police Department and the Milwaukee Police Department for keeping all patrons and volunteers safe. Greek Fest looks forward to opening their doors to the public at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, June 25, with no rides and reduced hours, closing at 6:00 p.m.
Sincerely,
Greg Papachristou
There were no reported injuries as a result of Saturday's fights.
The event was scheduled from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday night, but was seen closed around 9:00 p.m. after the incident. On Sunday, GreekFest was scheduled from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. but instead closed two hours early at 6 p.m.
A witness, Jane Newmann, was at the festival when a band announced the festival would be closing early.
“I was here to enjoy food and music, and then I briefly saw teenagers fighting with the police and running,” Newmann said.
In a statement, GreekFest Chairman, Michael Stavropolous said the festival would also have all of its rides closed for the remainder of the festival.
“We were looking up different rides that were here until we figured out they were shutdown,” Jaya Arnold, an attendee, said. “We’re getting punished for their actions and we don’t get to do the fun stuff.”
Another GreekFest Chairman, Greg Papachristou, said he doesn’t want what happened to distract from the event’s mission.
“This is the single biggest fundraiser for our church,” Papachristou said. “We’re beyond blessed with a great turnout, people that have been here to serve us, and to give a great weekend of family fun.”
GreekFest is the largest fundraiser for Annunciation and assists in funding its ministries, youth programming and community outreach efforts. It also supports general operations and maintenance of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright church.
In years past, Papachristou said GreekFest has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. To donate, you can visit their website.
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