Kentucky Derby Festival adds chaperone requirement for minors at Waterfront Park

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Anyone under the age of 18 attending the Fest-a-Ville and Chow Wagon this week at Waterfront Park in Louisville now needs to be accompanied by a "chaperone" 21 years or older, the Kentucky Derby Festival said Monday.

In a news release, KDF said IDs will be checked at each entrance gate, a change in policy after "juveniles created multiple disturbances" Sunday.

"Safety is always the Kentucky Derby Festival's top priority," Matt Gibson, president and CEO of KDF, said in a news release. "We want the entire community to be able to attend our events and this new policy will ensure we continue to have a family-friendly environment at Fest-a-Ville that everyone can enjoy."

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On Sunday, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies and Louisville Metro Corrections officers were working security at Chow Wagon.

Videos of fights, a stolen golf cart and a gun found hidden at Waterfront Park were circulating on social media after the incidents.

"You could hear a lot of commotion," Tamra Means, Paradis Island Tea owner said. "I couldn't tell what it was if it was arguing, if they were fighting."

JCSO said 12 deputies were sent to Waterfront Park to assist. JSCO said four juveniles were detained and one juvenile was charged for attacking an officer. Those juveniles were also returned to their parents.

Louisville Metro Police said they broke up a fight about 9:30 p.m. between two girls. The girls were detained and returned to their parents, LMPD said.

"I was wondering why? Means said. "Why were they wanting to, because it was peaceful, why were they wanting to come out here and cause disturbances?"

Per the new policy, a chaperone can be responsible for as many as six minors at once. Valid IDs at the gate include a driver's license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa or military ID.

"Kids, sometimes, will be kids, but if they're will a responsible person they tend to act a little different and behave a little bit more, so yes I do support that idea," Sharon Burney said.

Fest-a-Ville and the Chow Wagon opened April 24 with activities planned through May 2. Entry is free with a Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin.

The Chow Wagon is open the entire nine days of the Fest-a-Ville. You can grab a bite to eat while watching live music.

Pegasus Play-Ville will also be open with several kid-friendly activities. Rides are open from noon to close on weekends and 4 p.m. until close on weekdays.

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