The Kentucky Derby Chow Wagon, a staple of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival, has implemented a new attendance policy for minors following a series of disturbances over the weekend. The decision comes as event organizers aim to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment at the popular gathering.
### The Incident That Led to the Policy Change
Over the weekend, multiple disturbances involving minors were reported at the Chow Wagon, prompting concerns about safety and security. One widely circulated video showed a female being detained, with others attempting to interfere with the arrest. Later, a police officer was reportedly roughed up while detaining another individual [A](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-derby-chow-wagon-adds-attendance-policy-for-minors-after-weekend-disturbances/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJMbjZHRVpxNVpURkE0UWVKQVhzSEMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTkNVQXg0cm55YkcxUGg0NHNZV2JoIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wva2VudHVja3ktZGVyYnktY2hvdy13YWdvbi1hZGRzLWF0dGVuZGFuY2UtcG9saWN5LWZvci1taW5vcnMtYWZ0ZXItd2Vla2VuZC1kaXN0dXJiYW5jZXNcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). These incidents raised alarms among festival organizers and local authorities, leading to swift action.
### New Attendance Policy for Minors
In response to the disruptions, the Kentucky Derby Festival has introduced a new rule requiring minors under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. Each chaperone is allowed to supervise up to six minors at a time, and IDs will be checked upon entry [B](https://www.wlky.com/article/fest-a-ville-has-a-new-minor-policy-after-multiple-disturbances-this-weekend/64610391?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJMbjZHRVpxNVpURkE0UWVKQVhzSEMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTkNVQXg0cm55YkcxUGg0NHNZV2JoIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lndsa3kuY29tXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9mZXN0LWEtdmlsbGUtaGFzLWEtbmV3LW1pbm9yLXBvbGljeS1hZnRlci1tdWx0aXBsZS1kaXN0dXJiYW5jZXMtdGhpcy13ZWVrZW5kXC82NDYxMDM5MSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, chaperones must remain at the event with the minors throughout their visit.
Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson emphasized that safety is always a top priority. He stated that the new policy is designed to ensure that the event remains enjoyable for all attendees while preventing further disturbances [B](https://www.wlky.com/article/fest-a-ville-has-a-new-minor-policy-after-multiple-disturbances-this-weekend/64610391?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJMbjZHRVpxNVpURkE0UWVKQVhzSEMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTkNVQXg0cm55YkcxUGg0NHNZV2JoIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lndsa3kuY29tXC9hcnRpY2xlXC9mZXN0LWEtdmlsbGUtaGFzLWEtbmV3LW1pbm9yLXBvbGljeS1hZnRlci1tdWx0aXBsZS1kaXN0dXJiYW5jZXMtdGhpcy13ZWVrZW5kXC82NDYxMDM5MSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Impact on the Festival Experience
The Chow Wagon, now officially called **Kroger Fest-a-Ville**, is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring food trucks, carnival games, live music, and entertainment. The new policy aims to preserve this experience while addressing concerns about unruly behavior. While some attendees support the stricter rules, others worry that it may limit accessibility for younger festival-goers.
Despite the changes, the Chow Wagon remains a popular destination, offering a variety of food options and entertainment. Admission is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin, which can be purchased in advance or at the event entrance [A](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-derby-chow-wagon-adds-attendance-policy-for-minors-after-weekend-disturbances/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJMbjZHRVpxNVpURkE0UWVKQVhzSEMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTkNVQXg0cm55YkcxUGg0NHNZV2JoIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wva2VudHVja3ktZGVyYnktY2hvdy13YWdvbi1hZGRzLWF0dGVuZGFuY2UtcG9saWN5LWZvci1taW5vcnMtYWZ0ZXItd2Vla2VuZC1kaXN0dXJiYW5jZXNcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Looking Ahead
As the Kentucky Derby Festival continues, organizers hope that the new attendance policy will prevent further disruptions and create a safer environment for all visitors. The policy serves as a reminder that maintaining order at large public events requires proactive measures.
With the Kentucky Derby just days away, all eyes will be on how these new rules impact attendance and overall festival enjoyment. Whether the policy proves effective in curbing disturbances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Kentucky Derby Festival is committed to ensuring a positive experience for all attendees.
