Rules & Regulations

The following rules are in place for guests attending PrairieFest. Please familiarize yourself with these rules. All ages are welcome. 

General Guidelines 

NOTICE OF FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY  

When you enter, photography, audio, video recording and real time monitoring by drones may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to being photographed, and the Park District use of festival images. 

BAGS  

For everyone’s safety, clear bags are required when attending PrairieFest. Bags must be no larger than a standard piece of paper (8.5” x 11”). Diaper bags for families with infants or toddlers present are allowed. All bags are subject to being searched. Event Staff reserves the right to refuse entry to any bag, purse, or stroller in the interest of public safety.

CLEANLINESS 

Please dispose of all litter and recycling in the appropriate receptacles. 

SMOKING 

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the festival grounds.  

FOOD/COOLERS 

Cooler and outside food are not permitted on festival grounds.

ALCOHOL 

YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE to consume alcohol within the festival grounds. IDs WILL BE CHECKED at the beverage tent. Bring your ID to drink.  

Patrons ages 21+ must have a wristband to consume alcohol. 

No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed on the grounds. The last call will be 15 minutes before the beverage tent closes. 

PETS 

Pets/animals are not allowed on festival grounds. 

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. Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support animals” do not meet the definition of a service animal. Certified service animals must be ON LEASH at all times.  

Safety & Security 

SECURITY 

Police Officers 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 or the police.  

MISSING CHILD 

Please consider getting a free Tyvek child bracelet from the Information Booth. Your cell phone number can be included on this wristband so you can be contacted immediately if you lose touch with your child.  

If your child is lost, please find an Event Staff member, a PrairieFest volunteer, or a police officer.  

WEATHER 

The festival is a rain-or-shine event. The stage is covered, and bands will play unless there is very heavy rain. If there is thunder or lightning, festival activities will temporarily be paused. 

We monitor for severe weather during PrairieFest and close down the festival if needed.  Any severe weather announcement will be made from the main stage, social media, and at the Information booth.  

Designated Shelter Area: Oswego High School – please enter through door #13  

FIRST AID AND AED 

The first aid kits used at PrairieFest contain icepacks, band-aids, gloves, sterile pads, rescue breathers, gauze pads, adhesive tape, sting wipes, and alcohol wipes. 

If a person is injured during PrairieFest, an Event Staff member has access to the first aid kits, or the Oswego Fire Protection District will be on the grounds, located near the Oswego Police Department tent. See the festival map for the exact location.  

PICK UP AND DROP OFF ZONES 

The Lift Lane is available and encouraged for patrons who are arranging Uber or Lift driving services. This pick-up and drop-off location is Oswego Public Works, 100 Theodore Drive, across from the festival main entrance.  

Non-driving teenagers can also be dropped off and picked up using the Lift Lane at the Oswego Public Works, 100 Theodore Drive. Cars cannot park in the Lift Lane, and drivers are not permitted to leave their vehicle. 

CARNIVAL ENTRY POLICY AFTER 5PM

After 5:00pm, a ticket or unlimited ride wristband is required to enter the Carnival area. Parents and guardians may accompany their children into the Carnival area without purchasing a ticket or wristband for themselves.

BEHAVIOR 

No fighting, taunting, threatening remarks, or threatening behavior: any person found fighting will be evicted from the festival.  

No disorderly or disruptive behavior, abusive, foul, or disruptive language, and obscene gestures. 

Over-intoxication or signs of impairment related to excessive alcohol consumption or other controlled substances are not allowed and are grounds for eviction from the festival. 

No weapons of any kind (including guns, ammunition, pocketknives, pepper spray, etc.). This includes toy weapons.  

No fireworks or explosives 

No illegal substances 

DISRUPTIVE PATRON 

If you witness a patron: 

• Attempting to leave or enter PrairieFest grounds with alcohol 
• Carrying a weapon 
• Threatening to do physical harm to any staff or patron 
• Not in control of their anger/emotions, or destroying property 
• Causing a situation that you deem as violent, where immediate safety is a concern 

CALL 911 for the safety of you and others  

SUGGESTIONS FOR KEEPING COOL 

During daytime hours, PrairieFest can sometimes get hot, and you can be susceptible to heat-related disorders. Here are some suggestions to keep you cool: 

• Dress for the conditions. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Apply sunscreen to exposed body parts. 
• Drink 5-7 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar. A water bottle filling station is available on PrairieFest grounds.  
• Stay away from hot or heavy foods. 
• Anyone feeling the negative effects of the weather should visit the Oswego Fire Protection District located by the Food Line and Carnival.