Another chaotic Taco Fest highlights need for event safety
Yet another Columbus festival debacle has city officials grappling with how to fix a recurring problem of disorganized and sometimes dangerous events.
Why it matters: Large-scale gatherings will only become bigger and more common as Columbus grows, placing greater importance on event safety and logistics.
Driving the news: The ninth Columbus Taco Fest was abruptly closed early Saturday night after multiple fights broke out at Goodale Park.
Shortly after, two people including a juvenile were shot near the park — it's unclear whether the shooting and fights were linked.
Attendees later posted on Reddit that crowds were "running and screaming in terror," unaware of what was happening.
The festival returned Sunday. Organizers claimed on Instagram: "It became clear that our event was deliberately targeted by a large group of minors whose only intent was to disrupt."
Flashback: Nearly the exact same scenario happened last year. The 2024 edition of Taco Fest closed around 8pm because of fights, and organizers banned unaccompanied minors for the next day — the same steps taken this year.
In 2022, another shooting happened adjacent to the festival when its home was Genoa Park.
Zoom out: Taco Fest is far from the only festival mess in recent memory.
This month, Sonic Temple created such a logistical nightmare that one of its acts almost couldn't make it to the stage.
Last year, celebrity chef and Columbus native Guy Fieri's highly publicized "Flavortown Fest" was canceled in advance with virtually no explanation.
Smaller one-off festivals, including the Margarita Festival and Coffee Festival, have been panned by disappointed attendees.
What they're saying:"Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen problems related to this specific festival," Columbus Department of Public Safety spokesperson Glenn McEntyre tells Axios. "Moving forward, we are seeking a stronger collaboration and coordination with all involved to keep these events fun and safe for everyone."
City Council President Shannon Hardin wrote on X that he had been in touch with police.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin 'Farmer Wants a Wife' star Grace Girard is engaged to Racine city official Trevor Jung
Grace Girard's love story came after her time on "Farmer Wants a Wife." And, it's reached its best chapter yet. The Wisconsin sweetheart recently got engaged to Trevor Jung, the transit and mobility director for the City of Racine. In celebration of their one-year anniversary, the couple traveled to Europe. Jung popped the question on "the cutest little street" in Strasbourg, France, on the night of May 31, Girard shared with the Journal Sentinel over text from overseas. Girard made the exciting announcement on Instagram June 3 with an adorable photo of her and Jung cheesing as she held his face with her newly blinged-out hand, plus another shot of the stunning rock. Their dog, Beau, got a ring of his own. On her Instagram Story, Girard shared a photo of the Cavapoo — who the couple adopted earlier this year — playing with a big plush engagement ring toy. "Beau is pumped 💍," Girard captioned the pic with a smaller image overlayed of her hand with the actual ring and her fiancé behind it. In 2023, Girard — who lived in Caledonia at the time — applied for and got cast on Season 2 of "FWAW." It filmed that fall and aired last year. There were four farmers, each with a crop of daters attempting to wrangle their hearts. On the season finale, Colorado farmer Brandon Rogers chose Girard. The two split shortly after filming concluded, but remained friends. It wasn't long before Girard found love in her own backyard with Jung. They're both extroverted, have a "deep commitment" to their families, enjoy being on the go, making friends and entertaining. Here's a look back at the newly engaged couple's relationship, including how they met, and how Girard's fellow "FWAW" alums are reacting to the big news: In 2024, Jung — a former alderman and Wisconsin Democratic National Convention delegate — spoke at a leadership forum that Girard — a communications associate — attended, the couple said in an interview last June. "He did a great job and he was very endearing and I just thought he looked great in a suit," Girard said at that time. "I was very attracted to his ambition and the way he worked the crowd that was there. That just made me really start to fall for him." Girard followed Jung on Instagram and he immediately followed her back. When her season of "FWAW" was nearing the end of airing, Girard expressed her interest in Jung to two of their mutual friends and they put in a good word for her, she said. Their first date was at Milwaukee's Boone & Crockett. It was a double date with Jung's buddy, who's dating one of Girard's college friends. Girard graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2019. Just like viewers were drawn to Girard's bubbly, sweet and genuine personality, so was Jung. "It's like, when you know, you know, right?" Jung said in that previous interview. "When I saw the way that she talked not only to me, but the people around her, I thought, 'Here's someone who's so sweet that I want to spend more time with.'" For Girard, Jung checks "all the boxes." "He's the best," Girard said in March. "We're just coasting along." The couple was already having a big year, with adopting Beau and Girard moving into Jung's Racine abode. Girard's dear friend, Joy Mayfield, who was also on Rogers' farm, commented on the Instagram announcement not once, but twice. "Eeepp!!!" Mayfield said. "My two favorite people in the world!! Congrats! Love you guys!! 👰🏼♀️🤵🏻♂️💍🍰🩵✨". Fellow Wisconsinite Karina Sabol — who was a finalist on "FWAW" Season 3, the season after Girard's — said: "Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉". Several castmates Girard has remained friends with since filming offered their well wishes, too. "AHHHHHH OMG CONGRATS!!!🥂🥹" Taylor BeDell said. "CONGRATS 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍" commented Kait Smith. "Congratulations!!!" Megan Lay wrote. "Oh my goshhhh" Sydney Errera said. "I had a dream about this happening the other night! Huge congratulations! The best news ever!🤍💍" wrote Emerson Sears, who was a latecomer on Rogers' farm. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine 'Farmer Wants a Wife' star Grace Girard engaged to Trevor Jung
Newsweek
39 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Kai Trump Makes Strong Statement amid Massive Golf Improvement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump has always been vocal about his granddaughter Kai's golfing abilities, but her professional golf journey has been anything but smooth. Just months ago, she faced brutal criticism after an unimpressive performance at Sage Valley. It came after the recently turned 18-year-old finished dead last among 24 competitors, carding a total of 52-over par with rounds of 89, 79, 83, and 89. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 17: Daughter of Donald Trump Jr., Kai Trump speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.... MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 17: Daughter of Donald Trump Jr., Kai Trump speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by) More Getty Images Later, it led to harsh criticism from netizens as many questioned her place in elite tournaments, saying her opportunities were "purely bought in" due to family connections. But guess what? On Monday, Kai Trump shut down her haters with a bold message. Last week, at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Major Championship, the teenager delivered a much-improved performance, posting rounds of 74 and 80 for a total of 154. She missed winning the title by just one shot as Bretton Mackiewicz snagged the reward. Compared to her struggles at Sage Valley, this was a clear sign of progress, and Kai wasted no time in celebrating the turnaround. Taking to Instagram, where she boasts 1.7 million followers, she shared: "Not the result I wanted but happy with the progress I am making! Let's get back to work 👊." Kai Trump Makes Strong Statement amid Massive Golf Improvement. (Image Credits: Kai Trump on Instagram) Kai Trump Makes Strong Statement amid Massive Golf Improvement. (Image Credits: Kai Trump on Instagram) Instagram Kai's abilities have secured a big stamp of approval from LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, Masters winner Rory McIlroy, and other elite professionals. Interestingly, Kai Trump wasn't the only young golfer answering the critics. Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, had faced similar skepticism after failing to make a big splash on the golf course. Last month, the young Woods put all doubts to rest at the AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational, winning the event. Shooting 15-under par (201) across three rounds, Charlie dominated the field, setting a tournament record with 26 birdies and an eagle. His victory moved him inside the top 20 in Rolex AJGA Rankings, marking a major milestone in his young career. Charlie Woods's father, Tiger Woods, is reportedly dating Kai's mother, Vanessa Trump. Their relationship has put them even more in the spotlight. As Kai and Charlie deal with public pressure, they continue carving out their own paths in golf. More Golf: Jack Nicklaus Shades PGA Tour Stars Amid Scottie Scheffler's Win
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mom Insists Daughter Pay $300 Towing Fee Before Driving Again. Dad Says She's Being 'Too Harsh'
A mother on Reddit is asking for advice after she refused to pay the towing fee on her 18-year-old daughter's car When the towing fee ballooned from $100 to $300 due to her daughter's inaction, OP still refused to pay, though her daughter's father paid the bill instead Now, the Reddit user has taken her daughter's keys and is insisting that her daughter pay her the towing fee before giving the car backA woman turns to the Reddit community for support after a parenting dispute over her daughter's driving privileges and a costly mistake. The mother, who co-parents her 18-year-old daughter Ava, shares that Ava recently passed her driving test and received a car from both parents. Within just a week, Ava parks in a tow-away zone and the car is towed, leaving her with a $100 fee to retrieve it. 'I told her to take responsibility for her mistake and pay the $100 fee, as her insurance doesn't cover it, warning her that they can add all sorts of fees if she waits too long,' the mother explains in her post. Ava, who had already planned and paid for a weekend trip with friends, is told by her mother to use some of her saved 'fun money' to cover the fee. The mother suggests, 'She still had time to pick up an extra shift at work to make it up before the trip, or go away with $100 less.' Despite the warning, Ava chooses not to pay the fee, and neither her mother nor stepfather steps in to help. By the time Ava returns from her trip, the bill has ballooned to over $300 due to added storage and hook-up fees. The mother stands firm, stating, 'I told her that her actions have consequences and that I had warned her and she was old enough to drive, so she needs to take full responsibility.' Ava then turns to her father, who pays off the towing company, much to her mother's frustration. 'I am upset that she hasn't learnt a lesson from this,' the mother admits, expressing concern that Ava is not facing the consequences of her actions. She tries to discuss the situation with her ex-husband, but he brushes it off, saying, 'She made a mistake and it's only money which can come back any time.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In response, the mother confiscates Ava's car keys and insists that Ava pay her back for the towing fee, despite not being the one fronting the bill. Ava, unhappy with this decision, calls her father to complain, prompting him to accuse the mother of being too harsh. "I have confiscated her car keys, telling her to pay me the towing fee instead, and her dad thinks I am being too harsh," she shares. Reddit users weigh in on the situation, offering their own perspectives on the family conflict. One user comments, 'I think that you were right about making Ava pay for the tow charges, but I also think you should have communicated that with her dad, too, so you'd both be on the same page.' Another Redditor suggests a different approach, saying, 'I think you should've paid the $100 fee, gotten the car out of impound, and refused to give her the car back until she reimbursed you.' Now the mom is wondering whether she made the right decision by taking away her daughter's car keys. Read the original article on People
