Winona Peach Festival boosts security after last year’s violence

The Winona Peach Festival is increasing security in response to last year’s violence that shook attendees and the community.

The festival shared a message on its Facebook saying that it has made security changes for this year.

Changes include limiting entrances to just five, security will be equipped with wands and will be conducting bag searches and no one will be allowed to enter the festival after 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

These changes come because of the violent actions at and near last year’s festival that made many concerned for their safety when coming back for another year.

At last year’s festival, Hamilton police arrested a 23-year-old man who, according to witnesses, revealed a handgun during a confrontation with another guest at the festival.

Officers say a tragic event was narrowly avoided by the arrest as a witness says the man had “racked” the gun, meaning it was ready to be fired in a crowd of people.

WATCH MORE: Police charge suspects in gun bust, assault during Winona Peach Festival

Shortly after, at a Tim Hortons parking lot near the festival, two men were allegedly brutally attacked with a baseball bat.

Police say the men were attacked by at least two other men after they asked the group to turn down their music because it was preventing sleep.

One of the men had serious head and facial injuries and the other had minor injuries.

Hamilton police have arrested the two men believed to be responsible for the attack.

“The board will be meeting to discuss next year’s festival, as our attendees and community’s safety is of the utmost importance,” the festival said in a post to their Facebook following the events.

The Winona Peach Festival is running this year from Aug. 22 through 24 at Winona Park.

READ MORE: 2nd man charged in violent baseball bat attack near Winona Peach Festival