Fights break out at New Hope festival, forcing early closure
An annual community event in New Hope closed early on Saturday due to fights breaking out.
The Duk Duk Daze Festival is marking its 50th year with events running from Friday to Sunday, but some of those turning up on Saturday evening were turned away for security reasons.
KSTP reports that police said the event at Northwood Park was over capacity when "some fights broke out," with the festival then closed down an hour earlier than planned.
Those at the event shared their frustration o the Duk Duk Daze Facebook page, with Jimmy Stanchfield writing: "Absolute chaos, fights everywhere."
"Figure out your security situation. It's been a really embarrassing couple of years," P.J. Agness commented. "The New Hope police and city officials should all be embarrassed."
"That's so sad," Connie Mann wrote. "We got to the gate only to be told that they weren't letting anyone else in and that Duk Duk Daze was closed for the rest of the night because of fights breaking out! My son and I love this annual event and look forward to coming every year."
The event includes a kids carnival, food vendors, arts and craft fair, fairground rides, softball tournament, a petting zoo and fireworks.
The website notes that "those belligerent to the rules will be promptly asked to leave by security," but KSTP says there were no injuries or arrests reported.
