Organizers, officials speak out on decision to cancel O’Fallon’s City Fest
City Fest Chairman Marci Lapolice spent nine years and countless hours volunteering at O’Fallon’s annual summer celebration, but after heightened safety concerns and a series of disturbances that led to 17 juvenile arrests on Aug. 22-23, she and other organizers say the traditional event is over.
“It’s just a shame it had to end this way,” Lapolice said. “We don’t have a solution.”
City officials and the picnic committee agreed to end City Fest in its current form after incidents at Community Park that resulted in arrests for battery and disorderly conduct.
Mayor Eric Van Hook cited the city’s inability to ensure a safe, family-oriented experience and announced the festival would not return as before.
“This year’s City Fest has shown that nostalgia for how events were once held cannot outweigh the responsibility of keeping our community safe. Public safety must always come first,” Van Hook said at a recent city council meeting. “Moving forward, every festival or gathering will be planned with that priority.”
After the August festival, residents living near the park were surveyed. One replied: “I have never felt more afraid of living in the city of O’Fallon.”
Lapolice expressed disappointment not only for the committee but also for nonprofits, vendors and performers who benefited from the event, which regularly drew up to 21,000 people and featured a large parade, live music, food, and rides.
“We created a celebration that brought people together year after year. Our committee is deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of City Fest—sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and festgoers. Their support and enthusiasm have made it a memorable part of O’Fallon’s history,” Lapolice said.
Committee members met recently with city officials and police to review safety footage from the August event, including gunfire that led to the arrest of a 14-year-old on weapons charges. Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman said at least nine separate fights occurred on festival grounds and in nearby businesses. Several businesses closed early as a result of the crowds and disturbances.
Brueggeman said two officers sustained minor injuries in the response. Multiple outside law enforcement agencies assisted, and the park was cleared by 9 p.m. Saturday, with Friday’s events finishing as scheduled.
Organizers said even with the added security this year—including more police, extra lighting and surveillance—incidents persisted. Police told the committee any future event would need to be limited to a single day, no evening hours, and no rides, making it financially unfeasible for most vendors.
Lapolice reflected on the festival’s positive impact, such as providing fundraising opportunities for local groups and creating lasting community traditions. Despite the loss, the city has seen other events run smoothly—such as the Vine Street Market, fireworks, and parades—without serious incident.
The O’Fallon homecoming event began as a World War I welcome and fundraiser and was revived in 2018 after a long hiatus. Now, organizers say, its tradition is ending once again—this time for safety’s sake.
“We have so many people who want to give back, all centered around helping the community help each other out,” said former Mayor Herb Roach, who led the 2018 revival.
City officials say new guidelines are being considered for future public events, with a focus on safety and community involvement.