Greek Fest closes early Saturday due to fights, 4 arrests and 'many ejections' reported

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Greek Fest, a cultural event held at Wisconsin State Fair Park, closed early on Saturday, June 24 due to multiple fights reportedly breaking out.

Wisconsin State Fair Park issued a statement on Sunday, June 25 indicating that there were multiple altercations resulting in "four arrests and many ejections."

State Fair Park Police, in conjunction with Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and West Allis Police Departments, reportedly spent hours identifying the individuals involved.

CBS 58's A.J. Batapayour first reported that the event was ending just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, after he witnessed attendees running out of the area of the festival that housed the rides and games. He was told there was a fight, leading to the festival to close earlier than its scheduled 11 p.m. end time.

WSFP's statement also highlighted new safety measures implemented this year, including metal detectors at entrances, in response to what the Park defined as "recent, often tragic events in our community."

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, which organizes Greek Fest, released a statement late on Saturday, June 24 to confirm that the Greek Fest chairmen made the decision to close early for the safety of all involved, "after a group of individuals today created a chaotic situation at Greek Fest."

They also noted that Greek Fest would resume on Sunday, June 25 at 11 a.m. with no rides and a closing time of 6 p.m.