Summerfest security: What you can't carry in this year



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Wednesday, June 26th was Day One of Summerfest 2013 -- and with this year's festival comes new security regulations involving what Summerfest visitors can carry in to the "Fest."

This year, each individual passing through the Summerfest gates, carrying a bag, must place that bag in a box available at each Summerfest gate.

If your bag doesn't fit in the box, it is not allowed through the Summerfest gates.

Additionally, all bags that fit in the box will be searched before they are allowed in.

Most Summerfest-goers FOX6 News spoke with as they passed through the gates as Summerfest 2013 kicked off said the new regulations do nothing but make them feel safer on the Summerfest grounds.

"It's just like going to Great America or Disney World. The same thing. Makes me feel secure enough," Brenda Garcia said.

Summerfest security consultant Mike DeMarco says the use of the 12x9x9-inch box is similar to what is used at other venues.

So what do you do if you have a bag that's too big for the box?

"Anybody with an oversized bag can bring it to the grounds. They need to check it when they get here at one of those check locations. There’s one at each gate," DeMarco said.

DeMarco says anyone who spots an unattended bag should report it, under Summerfest's new "see something, say something" policy.

"If you see something that looks out of place, mention it to somebody and we’ll look at it, or the police will look at it," DeMarco said.

DeMarco says all of these new security policies are an attempt to make sure everyone has a safe, fun time during all 11 days of Summerfest's run.

What's allowed/not allowed on the Summerfest grounds:

The following items are ALLOWED at Summerfest:


    The following items are NOT ALLOWED at Summerfest:


      Who's playing Summerfest when, and on what stage? CLICK HERE for a gig guide.