Festival Rules
Windmill City Festival Rules
For the safety and enjoyment of everyone attending Windmill City Festival, the following rules are in place:
All ages are welcome
Pets
We know pets are like family, however, pets/animals are not allowed after 6 pm. If you are found with a pet after 6 pm, you will be asked to leave the festival grounds. This policy is due to the festival environment, and presence of food and drink, being stressful for animals and has lead to bites and other incidents. It is hot, crowded, and loud. This environment can be very stressful for animals and a usually well-behaved pet may feel the need to protect its owner by attacking another person or animal. Anyone bringing an animal to WCF will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal. Traveling into Batavia with your pet? Be a responsible and loving dog-parent by leaving them at an animal kennel before the evening festival hours. For Americans with Disabilities Act info, please see the the “SERVICE ANIMALS” section below.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of “service animal” is limited to a dog (or pony) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability who is in attendance. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. – U.S. Dept. of Justice. Unfortunately, we have had people abuse the right to have a service animal with them at the festival and these dogs have caused problems on-site. These pet-owners are taking advantage of people with disabilities, threatening the health and safety of all people and of service animals. If you have a certified service animal that you are required to have with you at all times, you’ll be required to have your service animal with you and ON LEASH at all times. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
Behavior
No fighting or threatening behavior: any person found fighting will be evicted from the festival without refund.
No disorderly or disruptive behavior, abusive, foul or disruptive language and obscene gestures.
No fighting, taunting, threatening remarks or gestures.
Over intoxication or signs of impairment related to excessive alcohol consumption is not allowed.
No weapons of any kind (Includes guns, ammunition, pocket knives, pepper spray, etc.)
No fireworks or explosives.
No Illegal substances.
Alcohol
YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE to consume alcohol within the festival grounds. ID’S WILL BE CHECKED. Bring your ID to drink.
No outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the grounds; there will be alcoholic beverages available in the beer tent. Last call will be 30 minutes before the beer tent closes.
Festival attendees are able to bring in coolers with their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, however, we encourage you to support our local food vendors.
Vending will only be allowed by registered vendors in the designated vending areas.
No unapproved vending including the sale or re-sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted on festival grounds.
Weather
The festival is a rain or shine event.
In case of inclement weather, please seek shelter inside the Government Center, located at 100 N. Island Avenue.
If there is thunder or lightning, festival activities will temporarily be paused.
The stage is covered and bands will play unless there is very heavy rain, thunder, or lightning.
Entrance Information
Fire lanes must remain free and clear of all objects, obstructions and vehicles.
Unauthorized vehicles in these lanes will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Parking Information
See Contact Us page for information.
Wrist bands
Wrist bands will be given out to Fun Zone participants and are required for enjoyment of the Fun Zone. These wrist bands must be worn at all times, until the participant is completely done enjoying the rides.
Security
Security personnel are on duty around the clock throughout the grounds for the entire event. Your cooperation with them is greatly appreciated! Please report any incident to an Event Staff employee.
First Aid
First Aid is available at the festival information booth, located on Houston Street. Staff is equipped to handle minor injuries, accidents and other emergencies. An emergency service vehicle will be on site to handle any other medical emergencies.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you enter, photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to being photographed, and Park District use of festival images.
Smoking/Vaping
Mind your butts! Cigarette butts can start fires that endanger us all. Please extinguish and deposit your butts in the trash. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited underneath the Main Beer Tent.
Keep the Scene Clean
Please dispose of all litter and recycling in the appropriate receptacles.
Lost Child Procedure
Contact an Event Staff employee or on-site emergency personnel immediately to report a lost child.
No Chair Zones
Signs will designate the standing/dancing zone in front of the main stages. This area is first come first served. Chairs and blankets are allowed outside of the no chair zone and in most other areas of the festival grounds.