'Not Going To Put Up With BS': Tinley Beefs Up Security For RibFest

TINLEY PARK, IL — After hundreds of teens swarmed a carnival and created chaos at a Tinley Park carnival last month, officials are taking extra steps to keep crowds safe at upcoming festivals. Mayor Michael Glotz last month alluded to stricter security protocol coming to future events, starting with the debut of RibFest July 1–4.

A mob of 400 teenagers descended on the Armed Forces Carnival last month, brawling with each other and creating a chaotic, fear-filled scene. False rumors of a gun or shooting on the premises circulated on social media, feeding fear at the scene. Police that night led a coordinated effort to reunite any children separated from their parents. Five juveniles—none local, officials said—were cited under a village ordinance for fighting in public. The incident led police to cancel the final day of the carnival out of precaution.

As village officials prepare for the town's first, multi-day festival with the debut of RibFest, they've beefed up security measures for the event at 18001 S. 80th Ave., including contracting private, outside security firm P4 to work in tandem with local police. The additional security will be armed, Village Manager Pat Carr said.

Touted as the "ultimate celebration of ribs, music, fireworks, and family fun," RibFest is set to include carnival "kiddie rides," live music, ribs "in a mouth-watering, toe-tapping extravaganza."

The event will also be fenced in, with controlled entry and exit points, Carr said. That was planned prior to the mob event, he clarified. All guests will walk through metal detectors, and all bags will be checked. IDs will also be checked.

Entry will be $10 each, with children 3 and younger admitted for free. Hours will be 2 to 10 p.m. each day. With proof of residency, entry will be free for Tinley Park residents on July 4.

"There'll be a very large security presence there," Carr said. "Our intent is to make sure we can have a fun event, and deter anybody who wants to come and do something stupid."

There were also be enhanced youth supervision policies, Carr said. Guidelines advise all visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult, who must remain with them at all times. Supervising adults will be required to provide ID. Unsupervised youth age 17 and under will not be admitted without a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older. One adult can supervise up to three youths under 17.

Officials announced they would move forward with the fest, despite other groups canceling theirs in fear of incidents similar to the teen mob in Tinley Park. Canceled were Chicago Ridge's RidgeFest and Most Holy Redeemer's parish carnival in Evergreen Park. Most Holy Redeemer instead held a parking lot party, charging $30 for entry and limiting to attendees 21 and older.

P4 will also help staff the Block Party, to be held July 15 and 16, in and around Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave. Glotz forewarned about tighter security policies in the days after the carnival incident.

"... you can expect to see even tighter controls in the future during big events such as this," he said. "Practices such as bag checks, defined event perimeters, youth supervision policies and other safety measures will be an ongoing part of large-scale events that have the potential to attract large crowds.

"It’s a sad reality, but gone are the days when we could hold an open event of this size without these measures in place."

Carr said they look forward to the festival, which will include three bands performing each day, and will culminate in a fireworks display July 4. The fireworks will be launched from the Tinley Fire District's training tower, as a totally aerial display, Glotz said.

"We're really excited about it," Carr said.

"We want everyone to have a good and safe, time, we're not going to put up with any BS," Carr said. "We've hired the extra staff to do it. We're committed to this."

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at entry. Price increases to $15 at the gate. Free parking will be available in the north parking lot at the 80th Avenue train station. Parking also will be available at the Oak Park Avenue train station, with a free shuttle service available to take visitors to and from the event. Shuttles will run from 2 to 10:30 p.m. each day.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

RIBS PROVIDED BY

• Austin’s Texas Lightning
• Chicago BBQ
• Armadillo’s BBQ
• Aussom Aussie
• Howling Coyote
• Blazin Broncos
• Branding Iron

BAND LINEUP

Saturday, July 1

• How Rude (‘90s tribute) – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Eliminator (ZZ Top tribute) – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Austin Edwards from America’s Got Talent (country) – 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, July 2

• Wall of Denial (Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute) – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute) – 5 to 7 p.m.
• Eric Chesser (country) – 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Monday, July 3

• Red Roses (alternative and indie) – 2 to 4 p.m.
• Beggars Banquet (Rolling Stones tribute) – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Revisiting Creedence (CCR tribute) – 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 4

• The Walk-Ins (variety) – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Freebyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute) – 5 to 7 p.m.
• American Pie (Americana and acoustic rock) – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT, TUESDAY, JULY 4

• Dave Fleming (stilt walker/balloon animals) – 4 to 7 p.m.
• Ms. Jamie’s Farm (children’s entertainer) – 4 to 4:45 p.m.
• Scott Ingerson (children’s entertainer) – 5:15 to 6 p.m.
• The Great Boodini (children’s entertainer, magician) – 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.